The Special Project was launched in 1999 in collaboration with various well established NGOs to empower the disadvantaged youth from underprivileged sections of the society to realize their potential, build their confidence and work towards achieving their goals. The Special Project units aim at harnessing the potential of young people from socially isolated sections of the society and providing them the necessary resources to complete the Award programme. We, at IAYP, believe that everybody deserves a chance. This is exactly what the Special Project aims to do. In this task, the Indian Award Programme was assisted by a supporting grant from the International Special Projects..
The first such NGO to partner with IAYP India was Salaam Balak Trust, New Delhi and the Special Project thus came to be known as the Salaam Award project (SAP). It was later followed by opening of a second phase in Kolkata on 22 July 1999 and another one in the South Zone in January 2000.
Over 2000 young people are participating in the Special Projects programme on an equal footing. The programme is extremely popular with young people of both sexes and at times it is difficult to cope with their enthusiasm to join the Award Programme in all its activities.
Year 2010 saw a renewed focus and the launch of "Making a Difference" which helped us double the number of Special Project units. In 2011 alone more than 1000 fresh entrants will join us. There are fresh investments and partnerships with business, to build momentum and make the Award all inclusive, helping equip for life young people from all walks of life. We welcome volunteers, Gold Holders and organizations to work with us, we offer training and resources from the Indian Special Projects fund.
Manav Vikas School is the latest unit to join SAP. Located at Gururbasa village, Jamshedpur, the school is striving to provide even basic education to the children of Gururbasa and the adjoining localities. The students here are mostly from backward sections of the society (aadivasis). To accommodate increased number of students the school has started construction of seven new classrooms, the estimated total cost being around 12,00,000 Indian rupees. 50% of the cost has already been funded and spent on the construction of these classrooms, the roof and partial construction of walls and a staircase. Due to shortage of funds, the school has failed to complete the remaining construction. The school has therefore approached IAYP to help them find financers to complete the undertaken construction.