Sir Syed Group of Schools

If they answer not to the call, walk alone. –Bengali Proverb

Tonight was one of the most special evenings so far. Our coordinator, Dr. Mullick arranged a visit to the slums of Kolkata. We drove to a neighborhood where Hindu, Christian and Muslims live in a poor, crowded community. We were the guests of the local school. We sat together with the teachers and shared our experiences. It was heartfelt to hear how they are working to educate the neediest of India. Most of the teachers grew up in the same neighborhood in which they now teach.

In this small, unfurnished school, teachers are doing a work among the cities poor and underprivileged. In 1985 a night school was started to educate the illiterate young adults of the community after their workday. People soon started understanding the importance of education in their lives and demand stared pouring in for a formal educational structure for the children of the area.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, an Indian educationist and reformer pioneered modern education for the Muslim Community in India. His model was the foundation of the school, which is registered as a social welfare organization. The grass-root voluntary organization serves the underprivileged and disadvantaged members of the slum areas of Kolkata through education, healthcare and vocational training programs. They crusade against drug-abuse and educate about HIV/STD/AIDS. Programs take care of the older and poor members of the society.

Since the start of the school, there has been a major change in the lives of the people living in the project area. More and more children have started attending formal schools, there is more attention on the girls, preventative healthcare programs are being undertaken and popularity of skill development among adolescent girls and young women has occurred.

The workers, who are either volunteers or paid a very meager sum, are enthusiastic. The women we talked to make about $50/month. For most of the teachers this is their second job. Together they are building a society where its members can grow up in a safe environment and have access to the same opportunities as the rest of society irrespective of caste, creed, religion, sex and color.

The teachers opened their hearts to us. After a formal talk we were able to sit and talk informally where the true learning occurs. All the teachers are passionate about their work. They were so gracious to us. At the end of the evening we shared a delicious dinner together. It is humbling to realize just how much we take for granted. They ask that we keep them in our prayers and hearts. This was something that was just understood.