Above: Students of Epiphany School
Ashish James, Director of the Society of St Mary the Virgin India, reports that children in India are facing extreme financial hardship as families are forced into poverty and children into child labour. He reports that education is suffering as a result. Despite this, the schools of SSMVI are continuing in the task of educating under privileged children, providing them with a positive and nourishing environment enabling them to live life to the full.
From examination success to sporting excellence, taking part in extra-curricular activities or celebrating together with their communities, the students and staff from the schools of SSMVI are flourishing despite the challenges they face.
SSMVI runs three schools in the district of Pune, Maharashtra state – St Hilda’s School, Epiphany School and Shanti Sadan School.
St Hilda’s School
Above left: St Hilda’s School Road Safety Platoon;. Above right: St Hilda’s students art class
St Hilda’s School students visited the busy square in the city as part of their Road Safety Platoon, helping to discipline the traffic, along with the traffic police. Founder’s Day was celebrated with a concert in the Church and a ceremony to recognise the students’ and teachers’ achievements. Girls taking final school exams were supported by counselling sessions, as the wellbeing of students facing such pressure is considered a high priority.
Epiphany School
Above: Epiphany School pre-primary class; football at the Epiphany School
Epiphany School students have been celebrating sporting success with one student, Ishan Gangupeth, awarded two medals – a gold medal for weightlifting and a silver medal for karate at a district level competition. Another student was selected to play football at the state level. A class 9 student was selected for an internship awarded by IBM to train students in cyber security and digital awareness. She visited different schools engaging in the training of younger students. For this work she received a stipend of Rs.5000 from IBM. All students have been celebrating science days, spelling competitions and sports days.
Below: Celebrating Epiphany
Shanti Sadan School
Above: Celebrations at Shanti Sadan School
The Shanti Sadan School held their school Annual Day Celebration in February. It was a wonderful fusion of art and achievements by the students. The school achieved 100% results last year in the school final year exams. Despite a very basic infrastructure the children of Shanti Sadan are happy and thriving at this rural school.
SSMVI also support the elderly and vulnerable through the work of St John’s Home and St Michael’s Hostel.
Click here to read SSMVI Director Ashish James’ most recent report in full.