Emmanuel School

Whilst India is emerging as a power on the world stage, the contrast between rich and poor is still profound. According to a recent studyCitation, India has one of the highest rates of inequality in the world, with the gap between rich and poor steadily rising for at least two decades. For those at the bottom of the heap, life is extremely tough. Figures are endlessly disputed, but around a quarter of the population – an estimated 300 million people – still live below an extremely low poverty line. Education for India’s poorest children is essential if inequity is to be addressed.

13-year-old *Siri loves reading and enjoys borrowing library books. Living with her single mother, she helps collect water every day.

Siri’s mother recently started a job and works long days, returning home late. The two of them prepare dinner for the family before retiring for bed. Dreaming of a brighter future is difficult in Siri’s situation, but this year she began studying sciences and now aspires to study medicine at university.

What are the challenges for India?

Grinding poverty and illiteracy. Hunger. Limited job opportunities. Lack of access to health care, good sanitation and clean water… and more. A studyCitation of poverty in Kolkata’s slums showed households with children suffered significantly higher levels of deprivation than those without children, putting children at particular risk.

What is Global Care doing about poverty in India?

We know that education for India’s poorest children is the best way to lift them out of poverty. Calcutta Emmanuel School (CES) is an English-medium school with a reputation for academic excellence. Admission is reserved for the poorest children of Kolkata’s slums, and there are no fees. Students also receive a free meal at lunchtimes, uniforms and shoes, and a free annual health check.

Global Care sponsors more than 50 children at CES. Sponsorship helps them access a top-quality education, and all the life opportunities which education brings.

Education for India’s Poorest Children

The school’s vision is to create ‘a transformed community of underprivileged and marginalised children, who, in turn, will bring about change and development in their own communities’. For almost 30 years our partners at CES have seen this transformation take place, again and again. Education for India’s poorest children is life-changing.

What can you do to help?

Why not sponsor a child in India? Our partners have seen the impact of sponsorship many times over the years.  £25 per month gives a child all they need to learn and succeed – and not just for themselves. As a result of sponsorship, the whole family benefits. In turn the future of their community is transformed.