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Patna, Bihar, India
The city of Patna lies to the west of the famous river Ganga, that rises in the Himalayan foothills, and flows by ancient cities and temples.
In 2001, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart set out to discover a path and a space to work for the education of the less privileged children who did not attend school in the Kurji area of Patna.
On August 2002 the sisters started the program in a rented house. There were 11 children and 2 teachers on the first day. Today we are more than 170 children and 9 teachers.
The little ones come in the early shift. The older ones come later and stay for less than three hours. These children cannot be away from home for long hours. They come from crowded areas, from large families living in small houses or in single rooms. Their parents are daily wage earners, and even children have to earn their daily bread.
What do they receive at the Sophia Centre?
In the school, prejudices are left behind. All are “children of God”.
In the classroom, methods and content reflect the reality of their lives.
We strive to provide sustained intellectual development, to foster spiritual growth, to instill values of truth, love and freedom.
We hope that here the children will find inspiration for an alternative future.
Our Centre is a place where reciprocity is lived daily. The children inspire us to reflect on our choices, to share in their struggle for transformation, to use our resources carefully,to respect each child’s culture and traditions, to share talents and gifts in dedication and care for all.
Together, we hope to foster in the children a discovery of the significance of their lives, an awareness of the dignity of labour, and the ability to participate in the work of transforming the world around them.
To the women in the unorganised sector we offer classes in tailoring and embroidery. We wish to help them to make choices, to express themselves and to find companionship with other women. We hope to implant in them a desire to educate their children, above all, the “girl child”.St. Madeleine Sophie once said, "Educate a man, you educate an individual; educate a woman you educate a whole family." Sophie’s vision continues to inspire us today in the Sophia Centre for Continuing Education of Women and Children in Patna.
Mary Varghese rscj
Province of India
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