Support for schoolchildren

300 children in the back-to-school project

CONTEXT

Around 40% of human trafficking victims in India are children. The city of Hyderabad is considered one of the country’s major trafficking hubs. For children, attending school provides vital protection: it not only equips them with essential skills for their future, but also offers a safe and supportive environment. Usthi is committed to ensuring that children from disadvantaged families can access education and receive the support they need to succeed in school.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROJECT

Financial pressure often forces families living in poverty to withdraw their children from school at an early age. Usthi therefore launched the Back-to-School Project in Hyderabad in 2008 to help children continue their education. Today, the organisation supports around 300 children through school sponsorships, covering part of the costs for school fees, uniforms and books.

TUITION CENTRES

In addition, 16 tuition centres in Hyderabad provide more than 470 children with a quiet and structured place to study. With professional academic support, even children who lack help at home have a real chance to succeed in school. At the same time, the centres offer a safe environment, significantly easing the burden on families.

School sponsorships enable children to continue their education.

Children are cared for in a safe environment during tuition sessions.

Good academic results motivate pupils to pursue their education despite challenges.

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Maths was particularly difficult for me because I had missed so many lessons. My tutor helped me catch up on everything I had missed.

Sundari* is part of the Back-to-School Project and now achieves top marks in mathematics

It’s not a lack of will, it’s a lack of opportunities

As a young girl, Sundari* lost her father to illness. After his death, the family faced severe financial difficulties, and her mother could no longer afford to pay her school fees. A friend eventually told them about the Back-to-School project. Thanks to this support, Sundari was able to return to school after a few months. However, catching up was not easy, especially in mathematics, where she had fallen far behind. With the help of a tutor, she gradually regained confidence and improved her skills. Today, Sundari is a dedicated student who achieves top marks in mathematics and is preparing for her final school exams.

* The name has been changed to protect the girl’s privacy.

The educational projects in India are supported by the Canton of St. Gallen.