A school education is still the most important means for paving the path to a safe and dignified future. For this reason, Usthi has always placed great emphasis on the education of children in need. In the three Usthi schools of Penthakata, Ananda and Thaddeus, almost 1,000 students attend school every day. A special focus in all Usthi schools is on the promotion of girls, as they are often held back from attending school. A sound knowledge of English is usually an important prerequisite for a successful job search later on, which is why English is an integral part of teaching. At the same time, the children’s cultural context is taken into account and local languages and cultural activities are promoted in all schools. The educational facilities were built in areas where there were no schools at the time. The three areas are still marked by poverty today, and many families cannot afford to send their children to school. At all Usthi schools there is clean drinking water and a lunch in addition to the lessons. The children have a safe environment in which they can play and study with their school friends.
THADDEUS SCHOOL
The village of Bhastara lies about 60 kilometres northwest of Kolkata. Almost half of the population living in the region around Bhastara belongs to the Dalits or an indigenous tribe, population groups that are still among the most discriminated against in India. They are on the margins of society and have little opportunity to assert their rights. In 2007, Usthi established the first English-Medium School in the area, in Bhastara. Classes first began in rented premises with a few dozen children. In November 2009, the school was finally able to move into the newly built school building. Today, more than 200 schoolchildren attend Theddeus School.
The education projects in India are supported by Kanton St.Gallen.
