Akka Project

Listening to Parikrma Humanity Foundation talk about her time volunteering for Mother Theresa just resonates so much. Humility and persistence even at the most challenging times are two things Shukla has taught us too. We look forward to this podcast!

"Jill Akka!"

That is what children called out as I walked through the school gates of Parikrma Humanity Foundation in Bangalore, many years ago when I was a teenager myself. In Kannada, Akka means older sister.

Someone asked me recently: how did the Akka Project actually start?

It started in that moment.

It was the friendships formed on those school grounds that I still have today, and the profound mentorship of the teachers at Parikrma, that had a lasting impact on my life. I found real joy there. We found ways to connect through play and shared experiences, and it turns out that no matter where you come from, kids are kids. They connect through play. Every time, without fail.

I wanted that for my daughters. And I wanted it for every teen in Australia who was ready to see the world differently.

That is what the Akka Project is. Aussie mums and teens volunteering together in India, building friendships that cross borders, and returning with a bigger sense of the world and their place in it.

We are raising globally minded citizens, one visit at a time.

If this resonates with you, connect with us.

This year we have two focus projects we are raising funds for. The best way to introduce the first one is through the voices of our teens in India!

We’re fundraising to give senior students at Parikrma Humanity Foundation a cooler, open‑air space to learn, designed by them.

Their current classrooms are cramped and hot, and many already live in very small, shared home environments. Having space at school to think, breathe and focus isn’t just a bonus, it transforms how they learn.

In this video, the Year 10–12 students share their vision for turning the outdoor area behind their classroom into a space that supports their wellbeing and their futures.

We’re aiming to raise $7,000 AUD to bring this student‑designed outdoor classroom to life.

There are two ways you can support this cause

Support this project through Masala Nights on 30 May Akka Project Presents Masala Nights

Or donate via our GoFundMe:
https://gofund.me/26d6b122e

At the heart of the Akka Project is the way our teens connect with children in India through simple, joyful, human moments.

Each teen travels with their mother, and together they plan hands‑on activities that bring learning, laughter and belonging into the school community.

Their days are spent:
- reading books with younger students
- playing board games that build teamwork and confidence
- making craft projects side‑by‑side
- joining in with sports classes and outdoor games
- sharing stories, music and the universal language of play

When you bring children together, play becomes the best source of connection. It breaks down barriers, builds trust and creates moments that stay with both groups long after the day is over.

This is the heart of Akka, young people showing up with kindness, curiosity and a willingness to connect.

What is the Akka Project through the eyes of one of our teens?

Watch as one of our co-founding teens, Imali shares her reflections while receiving her award at the NSW Women’s Day Awards. Her words capture the heart of what this project is all about, connection, empowerment, and building global compassionate teens.

If this sparks something in you and you’d like to be part of the journey, we’d love to hear from you:

https://akkaproject.org/

We’re also so excited to see our next group of mums and teens preparing for their trip this July