In areas where establishing full-fledged schools was not feasible, we set up Supplementary Education Centers to bridge the educational gap for children who have never had access to formal schooling.
Across India, large sections of the population remain unaware of the power of education to bring about transformation. Despite the Government of India providing free education, many families fail to recognize its value. As a result, a significant number of children have never received any formal education. Even those who enroll in government schools often drop out by the age of 10 or 11, joining their parents as daily wage laborers in an effort to contribute to their family’s survival.
Our Supplementary Education Teams take on the critical task of identifying these children and bringing them to our centers. Here, they receive age-appropriate education for four hours every evening, after completing their work in the fields or assisting their parents in earning a livelihood.
To ensure sustained attendance and engagement, each study session is followed by a nutritious meal, providing not just knowledge but also much-needed nourishment. For many children, food is scarce at home, making these meals an added motivation to attend our centers.
In the past 15 years, we have witnessed remarkable transformations—many of our students have grown up to join mainstream educational institutions and excel in their studies. Several of them have secured well-paying jobs in both the private and public sectors, breaking the cycle of poverty and paving the way for a brighter future.
Through these Supplementary Education Centers, we strive to offer hope, instill a love for learning, and create opportunities for a better future, ensuring that no child is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.
SEC Bagbahra, Chhattisgarh
Located about four hours from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, the small town of Bagbahra faced a critical lack of awareness about education. Fifteen years ago, one of our dedicated literacy workers, Mr. Ashish, recognized the urgent need for intervention and took it upon himself to establish the Good Shepherd Supplementary Education Center.
At that time, children as young as 8 or 9 were forced to scavenge or beg on the streets while their parents worked odd jobs to survive. Deprived of guidance and opportunities, many fell into bad company, engaging in nefarious activities that further deepened their hardships. Determined to change this reality, Mr. Ashish set out to provide these children with education, structure, and hope for a better future.
Over the years, the center has transformed several lives. Many children who once had no access to education have now secured stable, well-paying jobs, uplifting their families and reshaping their economic landscape.
What started as a one-man mission has now grown into a team of three dedicated teachers, along with a cook who prepares daily meals for the children. Education at the center is not just about academics; it is about empowerment, rehabilitation, and breaking the cycle of poverty.
The Good Shepherd Supplementary Education Center – Bagbahra continues to stand as a beacon of hope, ensuring that no child is left behind, and every child gets the chance to build a brighter future.
SEC Bangalore
Established six years ago, the Good Shepherd Supplementary Education Center in Bangalore was launched with a distinct focus—uplifting children from the city’s slums by enhancing their English language skills. Unlike in rural areas where access to basic education itself is a challenge, Bangalore has a relatively stronger government-sponsored educational system. As a result, most slum children do attend school, but their learning is often limited to Kannada, the local language.
Recognizing this gap, the Bangalore center took on a unique role—helping these children converse fluently in English. In today’s urban job market, a working knowledge of English is a powerful tool for social and economic mobility. By mastering spoken English, these children gain confidence and access to opportunities in retail, call centers, and the hospitality industry, sectors where English proficiency is a critical skill.
Beyond employment, learning English empowers these children in several ways:
- Improved Academic Performance – Many higher education resources and competitive exams are in English, giving them a better shot at future studies.
- Social Confidence – They can communicate beyond their immediate communities, broadening their worldview and interactions.
- Greater Career Choices – From frontline service roles to corporate opportunities, English proficiency significantly enhances their employability.
- Digital & Technological Access – A majority of the internet and global knowledge resources are in English, equipping them with skills for the modern world.
As with all Good Shepherd Supplementary Education Centers, the Bangalore center also provides daily snacks and meals, ensuring that children are well-nourished, motivated, and happy.
Through this initiative, we strive to bridge the language gap, empower underprivileged children, and prepare them for a future filled with possibilities.
SEC Sonebhadra, UP
In a remote village in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, a newly established supplementary education center is bringing hope to children who have long been deprived of learning opportunities. The village remains underdeveloped, with most families engaged in rudimentary labor, struggling to make ends meet. Due to generations of illiteracy, education has never been a priority, and children grow up with no aspirations beyond joining their parents as daily wage laborers.
Recognizing this pressing issue, our committed literacy worker took the initiative to set up a supplementary education center, determined to break the cycle of poverty through education. The center provides a nurturing learning environment where children can develop foundational skills in reading, writing, and basic arithmetic—skills that can significantly improve their future prospects.
Currently, around 20 children attend the center, showing a newfound enthusiasm for learning. For many, this is their first exposure to structured education, offering them a glimpse of a brighter future beyond manual labor. In addition to this center, we have another supplementary education center in a different location within Sonbhadra, further extending our reach and impact. With continued support and encouragement, we aim to expand this initiative, ensuring that more children gain access to quality education, empowering them to dream bigger and pursue opportunities that were once out of reach.