Ark Foundation is a creation of a group of teachers and research scholars from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, who felt the need to use their education for betterment of society. Observing the lack of effective schools in slum areas so close to their own academic institution, the group was motivated to make a small beginning to use their knowledge and skills to provide learning centers for slum children. Ark brings a holistic approach to educating children, its programmes extending to cover basic health and environmental issues. Ark began its work in 1995 and got formal registration under the Society Registration Act (1860) in 2002.