I have always been impressed with the holistic education in the New Life Centre school and, as a retired teacher, I recognise how invaluable it is to get to know all the talents of the children you teach, and not just their academic practice.
So Art plays a big part in the curriculum at the NLC and the Art teacher is committed to entering the children for exams to foster their burgeoning skills, also running an Art class on a Saturday so other local children can join. The children were entered for an exam in April, which is Government sponsored so they will receive a certificate.
The school roll has risen considerably this year to 358, nearly as many as pre covid times. This is hardly surprising in an area where the Government schools continue to fail children, and the system is based on the need for tutors, to enable children to attain any adequate level of schooling. This of course then excludes the poorest who cannot afford tutors, but at the NLC whatever parents can afford allows their child to access this good academic standard, as well as the benefits of an all round education as we see here.
As well as the Vocational Training Centre providing a tailoring course for the local women to give them a means to support themselves, Alindra is about to resume the computer course for local young women and men, who have been failed by the Government schools.
The NLC is a community hub as you can see as well as a beacon of hope for schoolchildren in this corner of India which is largely forgotten because of its rural location.
If you would like to help make a difference in the lives of these children and young adults in this area of West Bengal, please donate.