How holistic support keeps pupils in the education system.
The DSS team believes that education should go beyond textbooks. In recent months, the education team has launched a cooperation programme with two state schools: Haltu Kishalaya Shiksha Sadan High School and Children’s Welfare Association High School for Girls.
The initiative aims to improve learning outcomes and reduce the high dropout rates in the state education system. By making learning more engaging and relevant to everyday life, the DSS team helps pupils reconnect with education and recognise its value for their lives.
Through conversational English, science workshops, career guidance, arts and crafts, basic computer hardware and psychological support, the young people develop self-confidence, curiosity and practical life skills. Under the guidance of our education consultant Devakalpa Ghose, the sessions were designed to be interactive and inclusive and to build on the pupils’ everyday experiences.
In Haltu, where absenteeism is a major problem, the team began by listening to the pupils’ needs, worries and hopes. Through creative activities, games, English conversation and career guidance, trust grew step by step. DSS school coordinator Priyanka Karmakar and teacher Subhasini Hassan played a key role in creating a supportive environment.
“Many were shy at first, but as soon as they realised they were being listened to without prejudice, they began to open up wonderfully,” says Priyanka.
“The joy on their faces during the arts and crafts lessons reminded us that creativity is a powerful way to build self-confidence,” adds Subhasini.
Sarsuna offers a different setting: enthusiastic teachers and pupils despite considerable social and economic challenges. Here, the DSS-led sessions on science, spoken English, career orientation and dance and movement therapy have created room for learning, reflection and personal development.
Career guidance remains an essential but often overlooked area. That is why DSS career counsellor Tuli Chatterjee holds sessions with older pupils at both schools, helping them to better understand their educational and career options.
In addition, DSS has provided dry rations to support the pupils’ nutrition and carried out baseline surveys with the families to better understand their educational and living circumstances.
As this work progresses, it is becoming ever clearer that nutrition, emotional well-being, self-confidence and vocational skills are closely linked – and all play a decisive role in educational success.
Direct beneficiaries: 300 children and young people from classes V to XII
Indirect beneficiaries: the families of these pupils
Budget: CHF 30,000, foundation’s share 90%