For children living in rural villages in Hazaribag, India, the ‘Ankur Project’ has sparked a love of learning and inspired dreams of a wider world.
“I didn’t know how to read before, but now I can!” says Anika, aged eight. “One day, I want to enrol in high school far away and become a police officer to catch thieves.”
Initially created in response to the closure of schools during COVID-19, our local partner the Hazaribag Jesuits, developed the Ankur project to provide ongoing access to education for Dalit children, who are part of the group of marginalised people formerly referred to as ‘untouchables’.
With kind support from our donors, the Ankur project has seen outstanding growth. From five tuition centres opened in 2020, the project has grown to include 100 centres that supported over 2,000 children in 2024.
Staffed by tutors from the same indigenous Bhuiyan community as the children, Ankur students learn English, Hindi and maths, as well as the skills they’ll need to continue their education and access new opportunities.
The project also embraces parents, nurturing their commitment to educating their children.
Staffed by tutors from the same indigenous Bhuiyan community as the children, Ankur students learn English, Hindi and maths, as well as the skills they’ll need to continue their education and access new opportunities.
For Anika’s mother, the benefits of the project are clear.
“I send her every day because I want her to study more,” said Anika’s mum. “I only studied up to Grade 6, but I want her to go further and have a bright future.”
This story featured in our Gratitude Report – 2024. Download the report
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