Alternative Paths to Education
While most children at our Santoshpur School and Kidderpore School excel in their studies, some children at our Sealdah School still struggle to benefit from the traditional board teaching. These children are undoubtedly among the most vulnerable children, whom we support. To ensure effective learning outcomes for all current and future students in our education program, we find it necessary to offer alternative paths to education for those who neither thrive nor benefit from traditional academic approaches. In 2023, we thus expanded our education program by establishing a production school, where we facilitate learning activities based on production and practical training.
Production & Practical Training
In our production school, we facilitate educational programs, that are primarily based on production and practical training. The production school consists of various workshops, where children can explore different crafts, helping them identify their interests and strengths. Subsequently, students have the opportunity to specialize in a craft or profession of their choice. In the long run, we aim to establish a total of 10 workshops in our production school.
Our goal is to create the best possible environment and learning conditions, allowing children to regain confidence in their abilities and worth. Without the belief that they can and will succeed, children may lose their motivation to pursue education, which is crucial for a secure, healthy, and promising future. We therefore incorporate caution at every stage of our education program, respecting the vulnerabilities of the children deeply. The objective of our production school is to provide stimulating learning experiences, to secure moments of accomplishment for the children.
This school operates Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Upon enrollment, children choose the workshops they are motivated to explore. After a trial week, they select the workshop they wish to attend for the next three months. Following this period, students can choose a new workshop or continue their education in the initial workshop, in case they wish to specialize in this workshop. One teacher with the specific expertise will be attached to every workshop, including an assistant to support the teaching. In the future, we also plan to send volunteers with relevant profiles from Denmark, in order to conduct workshops with the students. This could be jewelry or clothing designers
A Sewing Workshop
In September 2023, the production school opened its first workshop – a sewing workshop accommodating 40 girls and women. Here, we offer a six-month educational program where students will be taught fundamental aspects of using a sewing machine and understanding the construction of various clothing items. Additionally, the students will learn English to enhance their communication skills.
In this workshop, we provide the students with a safe haven from the harsh conditions of the street. The harsh conditions will be replaced with a safe community, where students can inspire each other and develop their creativity.
The students will gain a solid platform to transform their abilities and skills into unique pieces, while enabling them to develop their competencies. Upon completion of the program, students receive a written diploma and are then offered the opportunity to work in our sewing workshop. Here the students will be paid – with a favorable commission system.
In the sewing workshop, our aim is to produce loose-weight clothing for women. This includes sets, dresses, skirts, pants in linen, and much more. Eventually, students will be involved in sewing school uniforms for the children at our three schools in Kolkata.
After completing the program, students will initially produce clothing collectively. Our experience tells us that the young girls and women who come to our Baby and Mother Center find great comfort in their community with each other. Therefore, the sewing workshop is intended to be a common thread that binds this community even closer together and creates strong solidarity among the women. Individualized production and business will be considered when it makes sense for the students, and when their teacher deems them ready.
Empower Beauty
In August 2024, we were thrilled to expand our production school and open the doors to our new beauty clinic, Empower Beauty. This beauty clinic has been created with a focus on young girls and women aged 15 to 20 who come from the slums and dream of receiving a foundational education in beauty treatments.
The training consists of two parts: a basic course and an advanced course. The basic course spans two months, followed by practical experience. Here, students will learn skills such as facials, threading, hair spa treatments, manicure and pedicure, as well as two types of waxing. The course is held three times a week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Following the basic course, students will progress to the advanced course, where they will delve into more complex techniques in hair and makeup. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate, provided they pass an exam evaluated by an external examiner. Those who pass will have the opportunity to undertake an internship. Gadens Børn will also assist in finding job opportunities with local businesses and other potential employers.
The program is funded in collaboration with Inner Wheel, an organization that helps vulnerable and disadvantaged women and children achieve a better life. Gadens Børn and Inner Wheel each cover 50% of the costs.
Our vision for the beauty clinic is to create a safe and nurturing refuge from the harsh realities of the streets. Here, students can find support and community, inspire one another, and develop their creativity. The production school provides them with a solid foundation to build practical skills and promote independence. We aim to strengthen the bonds among the women and create a close-knit, cohesive group that gives them a strong foundation for the future.
