Calcutta Rescue has recognized that education is the key to improving the socio-economic situation of the poorest people. Most children living in the slums and on the streets of Kolkata are not very eager to go to school. When they do attend school, they often lack the resources and skills to complete it successfully and there is little hope of them escaping the poverty trap. Calcutta Rescue wants to change this with its education program for school children.
Two schools
Calcutta Rescue's two schools, Talapark School next to Talapark Clinic and School No. 10 (at 10 Nilmoni Mitra Street), aim to support these underprivileged children by providing them with an appropriate learning environment. Children between the ages of four and six are prepared for public school as part of a pre-school program. The teachers use the Montessori method and teach general knowledge and skills in Hindi, Bengali, English and arithmetic. There is a lower and an upper level and the language of instruction is Bengali and Hindi.
Social work
Calcutta Rescue has long recognized that education is not limited to traditional subjects such as mathematics and Bengali or Hindi, but also to more advanced subjects. This is why social work is part of our education program. Here, both the children are supported as part of Power to the Children, but also the adults, especially the women in the Women Empowerment project. The focus is on giving each individual the tools to make decisions for themselves and to protect themselves. Part of the program is also to learn when they have reached their limits and are dependent on external help.
Computer courses and extracurricular activities
Children who can follow the lessons well are sent to official state schools at the age of six. Calcutta Rescue continues to support them throughout this time and the teachers monitor their progress. In the Calcutta Rescue schools, the children can do their homework and benefit from additional lessons, computer courses and English conversation. They also have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities such as dance, music, art and drama classes in addition to the educational program.
The aim of Calcutta Rescue's programs is not to replace the existing education system, but to support the children during their school and university years by providing them with a supportive learning environment.
Offer for pupils
- a school bag, school books and exercise books,
- Clothes, shoes and a school uniform,
- two nutritious meals a day,
- Transportation fee,
- Preventive health check-ups every six months
as well as preventive and curative medical treatment, - Psychological counseling if required.
Calcutta Rescue recently acquired a residential building in the Hatibagan district. It is currently being renovated so that school no. 10 can be relocated there.