CONTEXT
Every day, countless people arrive in the metropolis of Kolkata in search of a fresh start, education or employment. However, their hopes are often quickly dashed by the harsh realities of daily life in the big city, and many end up struggling to survive as day labourers.
To prevent people from slipping into urban poverty and to counteract rural migration, Usthi focuses on promoting education in rural areas. The village of Hudarait lies in a disadvantaged region on the outskirts of Kolkata. In 1987, Usthi established the Ananda School there, creating the first access to education in the area.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION
The goal of Ananda School is to provide high-quality education to children affected by poverty. Socio-economic factors are therefore carefully considered when admitting new students. Today, the school educates around 240 children from the surrounding region.
Classes at Ananda School are taught in the local language, Bengali, and range from nursery level to 8th grade. For the final two years leading to graduation, students attend external schools, with Usthi offering financial support through sponsorship programs.
Learning, playing and making friends
Tanvi* has been a pupil at Ananda School since nursery. Now 14, she cycles from her village to the school in Hudarait, north of Kolkata—a journey of about ten minutes. Her favourite subject is English, though she also enjoys creative activities, especially dancing and singing. With a laugh, she adds that she also looks forward to lunch breaks and playing games with her friends. On her way home, she is joined by her six-year-old sister, who started first grade at Ananda School this year.
Tanvi has big plans for the future; she hopes to become a doctor one day.
* The girl’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.
The educational projects in India are supported by the Canton of St. Gallen.
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