This school in Raipur, which is now attended by around 50 children, was established 14 years ago and, like the school in Jakhan, is situated in a slum area. The school offers the opportunity for its pupils, who without exception come from extremely poor families, to receive an education which otherwise would be unavailable to them. Through contact with the school and its teachers, the mind-set of the children’s parents towards the value of education is steadily being changed. The children are provided with a meal at lunchtime each day at school. This is important in aiding concentration, and is an essential part of the children’s physical well-being. It is also a real motivational factor in encouraging regular attendance, for the simple reason that the children’s parents are unable to afford the provision of a midday meal.
A committed couple moved to Dehradun, North India in 1986, Since then they have been involved in holistic Christian ministry where they have been totally committed to their local church while developing a variety of social projects within the community. They have a real heart for the needs of those around them, especially those living in poverty in the north of India, which is far less economically developed than the south. Although India is a fast-developing global economic power, around 40% of the poorest people in the world live there. Their daughter, who has a university degree and has specialised in education, is now responsible for the leadership of this school and is very innovative in encouraging the children to learn. She sees the role of the school as opening a door to education, but also helping the children experience something of what it means to be a child.
