By Tess Molloy | HANDS AROUND THE WORLD Project Co-ordinator
My cousin’s Primary school in Eccles near Manchester recently did a sponsored walk for the New Life Centre school in Sarberia, West Bengal. The students worked out that the height of Mount Everest was equivalent to 10 kilometres, and so they planned a 10K track around the playground.
They raised £1200, which is the most they have ever raised before in their fundraising activities, because they were able to empathise with their fellow students in West Bengal. Despite very different environments and home backgrounds, the children in Eccles were captivated by the personal stories of the students in Sarberia - such as the boy who was left abandoned in a tea shop in the village and was adopted by a poor farmer and his wife. This boy started at the New Life Centre school when he was 4 years old and he has just passed his Board Exam (National Standard for 15+ year olds) with flying colours and is destined for a bright future!
Education changes lives in West Bengal, as it does in this country, but we don’t tend to think of it in those stark terms. This boy will be the first of his adopted family to have the opportunity to work somewhere other than tending the fields, a subsistence living. When you are given the opportunity not only to change your work, but expand your horizons, who knows where you could end up?
This is the story of the founder of the New Life Centre school, Alindra Naskar. Here he is seen in the playground of the school. Alindra was educated with the help of a local priest. His ‘lucky break’ has multiplied in kind.
If Alindra’s educational break can result in educating a whole village, what will the students of the New Life Centre school achieve in their lifetimes?
Thank you to the children and staff at Holy Cross and All Saints school in Eccles.
Wouldn’t you like to be involved in this educational success story?
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