Panshet is located in the midst of the Western Ghats in Pune District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The region serves as a major tourist attraction, but the economic opportunities for the residents are scarce and the village economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry.

Although government-funded primary schools are common in most of the villages, there are merely two secondary schools in this 100-plus sq. km. region. Large number of student drop-out after completing primary education because of the financial constraints faced by their families. The arduous 8+ km trek which an average student might have to undertake daily, adds to the indecision of the parents. Under these circumstances, the secondary schools are attended either by those living in nearby villages or those who can afford the daily to-and-fro commute.

However, today around 80 additional children from 28 distant villages are attending the school on a daily basis; thanks to the hostel facilities provided by Rachana.

For over a decade now, Rachana has been providing children from economically weak background with lodging and boarding facilities. Located right next to their school, these facilities provide a cheaper and a safer alternative, which has noticeably reduced the dropout rate of students in the region.