Empower the Children
“When one child succeeds, the ETC ripple effect helps others to progress with greater confidence and determination. This is made possible by contributions from you. Thank you from our Kolkata kids.”
– Rosalie Giffoniello, Co-Founder
While the ground is shifting the feet of large populations around the world, Empower the Children offers stability to young children living in the slums of Kolkata. Each year brings a new batch of youngsters eager to explore the world of education that is now within their reach. Through our ever-expanding programs, ETC offers a comprehensive currilulum that allows students to go beyond the normal expectatons of rote learning, creating a richer experience in the classroom.
Since 2002, ETC has played an important role in shaping the lives of future generations by helping them develop critical thinking skills, strong values and a desire to make their world a better place. Thanks to multi-faceted programs, the dedication of staff, and our loyal donors and volunteers,each year ETC continues to prepare a greater number of students to earn a viable living for themselves and their families.
Preschools
“Read a story to a child and entertain a child for a moment; teach a child to read, and you educate the child for life.”
– Chinese Proverb
Slum-dwelling children, born into a culture of illiteracy, reap great benefits from early education. A strong academic foundation enables young students to really transition to local neighborhood schools, awakening in them a joy of learning.
ETC preschools
- Nevidita
- Atmaraksha
- Nehru Colony
- Pally Unnayana SSK
Special Education
Praroyna 3 School
Special needs students who are otherwise isolated at home are mainstreamed at Praroyna 3 School. Comprehensive lessons are developed by a special educator to meet individual needs. Inclusion classes foster new friendships and social connectivity.
Prabartak Home
Sixty mentally and physically challenged adults, many with seisure disorders, reside at Prabartak Home. Enrichment programs – including art, drama, crafts, music, and dance – develop creativity. Annual public performances allow participants to gain recognition and invaluable self-confidence.
Duttapukur
An outreach special needs program was developed in Duttapukur for mentally and physically challenged students, Due to the success of the program, dedicated parents from neighboring towns transport their disabled children to Duttapukur by train to take advantae of the speech therapy and individualized lessons offered at the school.
Celebration of Diversity
Disabled and slum-dwelling individuals in Kolkata are often isolated and not accepted by mainstream society. Empower the Children is helping to change people’s perception of these two groups.
An inspiring evening of entertainment is jointly performed by the Praroyna School students and the physically and mentally challenged residents from Prabartak Home. This theatrical event has become known as
“Celebration of Diversity.” It was initiated in 2006 with the performance of “Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves”. Thanks to its tremendous success, “Celebration of Diversity” has become an annual event.
Empower the Children fosters the imagination and talents of disadvantaged individuals of all ages.
Interactive Curriculum
Creativity, Not Rote Memorization
The interactive language development curriculum of Empower the Children was developed by speech therapists in the USA. This curriculum focuses on learning readiness and critical thinking skills.
The kindergarten curriculum introduces sequencing, shapes, colors, numbers, letters, means of transportation, animals, etc. Higher grades learn about historical events, the human body, world-wide leaders, and international currency, to name a few.
Lessons are geared toward engaging the children’s imagination, which encourages creativity and the spontaneous exchange of ideas.
Non-Formal Schools
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
-Nelson Mandela
Praroyna 2 & 3 Schools
Students, ages 5-14, who enter Praroyna Schools without any education background are taught literacy and basic math skills so that they may reach age-appropriate grade levels. Ancillary enrichment classes include drama, art, and computer, coupled with Rosalie’s interactive language curriculum. The children receive a balanced academic experience.
Khamargachi Tribal School
Tutorial Centers
Dankuni Tutorial 1, 2 & 3
Due to prevailing illiteracy inherent in slum-dwelling families, children ae unable to complete assignments and exam preparations at home. After-school tutorial centers serve the needs of children who require academic support, along with much-needed encouragement from ETC’s dedicated techers. This additional instruction and guidance has dramatically reduced drop-out rates and increased college enrollment.
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Vocational Training
Praroyna 1 and 3 Schools and Khamargachi Vocational School
Teenagers learn various skills that are valued in the Indian culture, including decoratie embroidery,needlepoint, and painting on fabric/glass. These classes foster creativity and enhance potential earning power.
Women in the tailoring program learn all phases of garment making. Certification from Usha, India’s prestigious sewing maching company, is awarded to all those who pass the comprehensive exam.
College Fund
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
In 2001 Empower the Children was in its infancy, struggling to enroll first-time students who lived in the slums of Kolkata. At that time it seemed impossible to imagine that someday we would offer educational programs at 12 separate sites, much less that those first-time students would ultimately become college graduates.
ETC college students have become an inspiration, not only to their parents and siblings, but to other students who aspire to follow in their footsteps. Through the generosity of our supporters, ETC’s college fund supports students by providing them with more options than ever before. We are proud of our graduates who are entering the workforce as professionals contributing their skills and knowledge to their respective communities.