Project Shiksha

From the Hills of Darjeeling to a Future Without Bounds.

Giving children from underprivileged families the chance to dream, learn, and build a future beyond limits.

The Need

In Bijanbari especially in the nearby hamlets, childhood often looks very different from what it should be. Most parents work as farmhands, stone breakers, porters, or casual laborers. They are illiterate, unable to support their child’s education, and struggling just to make ends meet.

Educational Gaps

Teacher absenteeism was common.

Children were taught in Nepali however when they reached Class 10 and had to appear for a state level Board examination, they had to switch to English medium.

Due to failure in the boards due to the above issue, many boys & girls dropped out, eloped and hence teenage pregnancy was common. The boy was suddenly pushed in to catering for the family and thus the cycle of poverty repeated.

Facilities in school were bare minimum.

Family Challenges

Most children belonged to families who were below the poverty line.

Many families lived on rent in a small house (6’ X 8’) with one or two rooms– comparable to the size of a standard toilet in the cities.

Parents working as labour breaking stone chips would earn for the day so that they could eat a single proper meal. Therefore, spending time and giving love to their children was a luxury to them.

Children came from families living below the poverty line, struggling to meet basic needs.

The Children

Many children take on household chores like cooking, cleaning, or caring for younger siblings

Children often walk long distances, sometimes over an hour, to reach school, and cross rivers by hopping on rocks

At home, they face challenges like family conflicts, alcohol abuse, and a lack of support for their education.

For many girls, the situation is harder—sons are often prioritized for education, food, and opportunities, while daughters stay home to help with chores.Without consistent support, many girls drop out.

Our Solution ( Project working model )

Project Shiksha supports children from Nursery to Class XII (up to 15 years) and continues for those pursuing college or vocational training (6 months to 5 years).

Impact ( What Your Support Achieves )

Every donation brings visible change :

₹ 2500-4500

/Month

(depending on class)

Covers school fees for one child.

₹ 1500-4000

/Month

(supplies, uniform, exam fee)

Supports a child fully through one academic year

₹ 3000-6000

/Year

( Best Quality)

Provides books and stationery.

Through Project Shiksha, children who once spent their days by the river or working as laborers now attend school daily. Older students are making their way into colleges and vocational programs-future teachers, nurses, and professionals who will give back to their community. Some children are happily settled in their jobs

Fledgelings who flew the nest

Please note that we do not want to publish too much about the student for privacy and security reasons. However, those who are interested in supporting our program can get details in mail. Here are some stories that were published for them :

Roshni : ‘ There is nothing more rewarding than the smile of a child. Once a girl wrote to me: ‘My success will be my gift (to you) ’’ She went on to become a nurse. Our children are proof of what Project Shiksha makes possible: a pathway from struggle to hope, from survival to unbound futures.