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Kolkata: Knowledge Tree Learning Support Centre run by Calcutta SEED unveils classrooms for education of street children

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 07 Nov 2023, 06:07 pm

Two recently renovated state-of-the-art classrooms of the Knowledge Tree Learning Support Centre were inaugurated in Kolkata recently by Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata.

For the last one year, this Learning Support Centre, situated within the premises of the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary, has been providing quality education for the children living on the streets in the Burrabazar neighbourhood.

The Centre is operated by Calcutta SEED, a 30-year-old NGO affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta.

The primary objective is to prepare and mainstream these children into formal schools, thereby providing them with opportunities for a brighter future.

The Chief Guest for the event, Archbishop Thomas D'Souza, graced the occasion by inaugurating and blessing the newly renovated modern classrooms.

The ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including Education All, the generous donors of the Centre, Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Subrata Roy,  Manabendra Mondal, and other prominent figures from the community.

The Learning Centre’s newly inaugurated classrooms feature modern amenities, including soft boards lining the walls, creating an interactive and vibrant learning space. Equipped with a TV and LCD projector, these classrooms are designed to enhance the educational experience and cater to the diverse needs of the students.

The Centre has plans to establish a Reading Tree Library with 750 books, accessible digitally to the children through tablets.

Additionally, an educational app is being developed and designed which will be compatible with both mobile phones and tablets, thereby ensuring a technologically advanced and accessible learning environment.

English serves as the medium of instruction at the Centre, and the educational journey extends up to class 4 before transitioning the students into English medium schools. The introduction of a personalized learning approach, with groups named Roots, Shoots, and Fruits, allows each student to progress at their own pace, fostering a sense of autonomy and ownership over their education.

Beyond traditional academics, the Knowledge Tree Learning Support Centre offers a holistic educational experience, including dance classes, art classes, and computer classes. This comprehensive approach aims to nurture the talents and interests of each child, promoting a well-rounded development that extends beyond the confines of textbooks.

As the inauguration ceremony concluded, it was evident that the Knowledge Tree Learning Support Centre is not merely an educational centre; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity for the poor children living on the streets. The generosity of the donors, coupled with the centre’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education, sets a commendable precedent for social responsibility and community engagement.

Knowledge Tree Learning Support Centre, located at The Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary, Kolkata, is dedicated to providing quality education to the poor children especially those living on the streets in the neighbourhood with the goal of mainstreaming these children into formal schools.