In 2010, Sathyana Giroux, a young social worker from Switzerland, was traveling in India when she began meeting children on the streets of Boyhgaya. Her heart went out to these children, who were from the poorest neighborhood in the city, and she began exploring ways in which to help them. Sathyana began by teaching the children English. After a few months of teaching on a rooftop space, she and her friend, Anne Wahli, decided to build a evening school. They envisioned a place where the children could be coached in their schoolwork by qualified and caring teachers. This is how Jivan’s Children began. Its two founders chose the name Jivan’s Children because it means “children of life.” With the help of generous friends and their relatives in Europe, within a few months they had built a school.
More village children wanted to join the evening classes, and not long after it became necessary to build a larger school to accommodate them. Funds were raised in Switzerland and in 2015 Jivan’s Children moved to its present location. Volunteer artisans helped to make the school into a beautiful and life-affirming learning environment.
The following year, Sashi Kapur became director of Jivan’s Children. Sashi’s life story makes him uniquely suited to manage a school for disadvantaged children. At the tender age of five, he was tragically separated from his family. Raised in a boy’s home in Kolkata—run by a French woman—he was given a good education and the love and care of supportive people. When he was 16 years old, he met Sathyana and Anne. They invited him to volunteer at Jivan’s Children. Every year afterwards, he visited the school, connecting in a deep way with the children. In July, 2018, he was asked to manage the after-school program. Sashi knows from his own experience that with love and support, and a solid education, a child can reach their potential and fulfill their dreams. He is engaged to marry Stephanie, a French woman, who helps with the sponsorship program.
Today we teach around 90 children from nursery age through 12th grade. And we continue to help students as they prepare for college; in fact, one of our first students is now in his last year at university, studying to become an engineer! With the help of our sponsors, we look forward to a similar future for all of our students.
We have 4 teachers who instruct in all subjects, to the kids from nursery to Grade 12
For the kids who are willing to do higher studies, we help with educational college fees, books, school supplies, etc.
Each kid is getting supplies such as books and photo copies, pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, and all the essential items which they need for their class.
Apart from education, we also like to spend time with the kids. Every week, we organize Saturday dance classes and occasional group activities, like visiting the zoo, picnics, and other fun outings. We also host sports events, like football and cricket.
We welcome people to join for a short or longer time of helping in practical ways. There is always lots to do, and we can find a way for you to serve the children. Our kids are always excited to have new people visit. It helps to broaden their horizons, practice foreign languages, and learn about different cultures.
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