Sponsorship of Children in India

While caste-based discrimination in India continues to grow, fair and equal treatment is just a fantasy. For many children in India, school is just a dream. Caught in the cycle of poverty and exploitation, they are deprived of an education, they live in abject poverty, and they are forced to drop out of school and become child laborers.

Dalit Solidarity established St. Patrick's Academy in 2000 to brighten the lives of poor, marginalized and school dropout children. St. Partick's is providing quality and affordable education to children who come from rural communities.

More than 70% of those enrolled are Dalits who are untouchables under the caste system. Most of them are the first generation in their families to attend English Medium schools. A total of 75% of the families are daily laborers, who make less than $5 per day. As many as 80% of the parents are illiterate and struggle hard with their daily livelihood. We keep our doors open to any child regardless of their ability to pay or not. St. Patrick's maintains a strong record of success and excellence in meeting our objectives.

Currently more than 850 children are enrolled at St Patrick school from kindergarten to higher secondary. They come from 30 rural and remote villages that have no access to quality education and public transportation.

In the vast tapestry of India's social landscape, millions of children grapple with the harsh realities of poverty, limited access to education, and uncertain futures. Recognizing the urgent need to break this cycle of deprivation and unlock the potential of India's youth, Dalit Solidarity emerged as a beacon of hope, ushering in a new era of transformative change and opportunity.

This project was initiated on the principle that every child deserves a chance to thrive, irrespective of their socio-economic background. At its core, this project sought to provide holistic support to vulnerable children, encompassing education, healthcare, nutrition, and emotional well-being, thereby laying the groundwork for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Education stood as the cornerstone of this project, with a firm belief that it serves as a powerful catalyst for social mobility and empowerment. Through the generous contributions from donors, underprivileged children were granted access to quality education, including school fees, supplies, and extra-curricular activities. Additionally, remedial classes, tutoring sessions, and career guidance programs were introduced to nurture academic excellence and equip children with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

In nurturing the dreams of India's children, we sow the seeds of a more equitable, prosperous, and inclusive society for all.