“I love art and sports. Sports keeps me happy,” says 13-year-old Aniruddha, before running across the school playground, dribbling a football.
A Class VII student at Haltu Kishalaya Shiksha Sadan High School, Anirudhha is creative, energetic and eager to participate. Give him colours and craft materials, and his imagination comes alive. Give him a football, and he is ready to run onto the field.
Aniruddha is part of the Child Welfare and Development programme of DSS
Kolkata which works at two local government schools that primarily cater to children from marginalised communities to create opportunities for children that extend beyond classroom learning.
The programme aims to support the schools by boosting pupil engagement, encouraging students not to drop out - a huge problem at Aniruddha’s school - and helping them identify what they want to do when they leave school and giving them the support to achieve their goals.
Priyanka Karmakar who heads the programme said, “Every child should have the chance to explore different interests, express themselves freely and discover what they are capable of.”
Spoken English lessons, sports training, excursions, Art and Craft sessions, STEM learning and nutritious breakfasts are all now provided by the DSS team.
For Aniruddha, the programme has opened up new ways to participate and express himself. His love
for Art and Craft has become increasingly visible, as has his enthusiasm for sports.
His journey has not been easy. Aniruddha lost his father during early childhood. His mother, who works as a domestic helper, has to support Aniruddha and his elder brother despite on her meagre wages.
Many students at the school come from families facing financial hardship. Many drop out early to begin earning, severely limiting their opportunities later in life.
“Since DSS Kolkata connected with us, we have noticed quite a change among our students,” said Arpita Sarkar, Headmistress of the school.
“I am delighted to share that attendance has increased and continues to improve,”.
Recently, Aniruddha qualified for a STEM course, giving him another opportunity to explore, experiment and learn. His interest in art, sports and STEM reveals different sides of the same young person: someone who is imaginative, active, curious and ready to try something new.
Aniruddha’s journey is still unfolding. The potential was always his. Opportunity is helping it come
alive. “Aniruddha has a bright future,” said Mrs Sarkar.