Calcutta Espoir

Calcutta Rescue’s Schools

Non-Formal School Programme
The two Calcutta Rescue schools, Tala Park School and No. 10 School (also known as No. 1 School) provide a free education for around 500 children from the streets and slums. They are adapted especially to their needs with balanced meals and regular medical check-ups. The programme is split into 3 parts. The main subjects taught are Bengali, English and maths as well as some general culture and creative activities such as drawing so that the children learn to express themselves freely. This is very important. The schools use modern teaching methods that take the background of these children into consideration and enable them to integrate children who are behind academically. A structure has also been established to deal with mildly mentally retarded children (part of the rehabilitation project).

Formal School
The children who reach the 3rd level at the prescribed age and who have followed classes regularly obtaining good grades are able to go to the public school. At present, 80 Calcutta Rescue pupils are following this programme. These children are followed closely by the organisation that is keenly interested in their progress and ensures that they attend classes regularly. They come to the organisation after school to do their homework and get extra support if they need it in addition to the food and care. Calcutta Rescue takes care of the majority of costs including schooling, school uniform, school bags, travel etc. But in the majority of cases a participation from the parents is requested, even if it is only symbolic gesture, so that the parents are made aware of their responsibilities vis-à-vis their children’s education.

Crèche
This service is relatively new and was set up in response to those women enrolled in our various programmes. It often means that they can not earn a wage and have no-one to take care of their very small children. In some cases the older children were missing school to look after their baby brothers and sisters. The crèche is in one of the annexes at Tala Park and has around 30 children enrolled per day.

Each child enrolled in our school programme receives other forms of support in addition to their education:

• Care and medical check-ups: free treatment if they are sick, dressings in case of injury, emergency case or their hospital fees paid for if necessary
• Prevention: All children have to attend health education classes and are treated against intestinal parasitic infections as well as a receiving a treatment to reinforce their immune systems (OPV, DPT, BCG and measles), full medicals every 6 months and dental care
• Benefits (essentials): Children are given a balanced meal every day and clothing
• Parental awareness: school teachers visit the slums monthly to convince parents of the importance of education. They use this opportunity to discuss hygiene matters and other important issues
• IT classes and other extra-curricular activities: An IT room is available for pupils during or after classes so they can learn the basics of this crucial piece of equipment. They can also take up sport, dance, music etc.