Women’s Cell, the non-formal education wing under the aegis of Loreto College, celebrated its silver jubilee on May 16.
Students, teachers, former students and faculty of the cell were present on the college premises to commemorate the day by sharing their journey and success stories.
Loreto College principal Sister Christine Coutinho was also present along with eminent Kathak dancer and alumnus of Loreto College Amita Dutt.
Principal Sister Christine Coutinho and (right) Usha Bubna, the founder of the Women’s Cell, cut a cake to celebrate the silver jubilee
The Beginning
Led by retired economics professor Usha Bubna, the Women’s Cell was established in 1996 with the objective of using education to empower young women from an underprivileged background. Back then the classes began with only 15 girl students who had no formal education.
“When we began, the classes were held in the Loreto College hall and the students were taught basic language skills in English and Hindi. In 2000, we registered our students with the National Institute of Open Schooling (erstwhile National Open School) for Class X board exams followed by Class XII registrations. Till now, more than 600 students have passed out from this cell to make a career for themselves,” Bubna said.
Objectives
The primary goal of this women's cell is income generation so that women go on to become financially independent. Bina Shrikent, a teacher of the Women’s Cell, said: “The cell aims at seeing that all girls and young women, regardless of ethnicity, income-level or social status are nurtured and empowered to reach their fullest potential. They should be able to improve the standards of living of their communities.”
The students of the Women’s Cell are mostly first-generation learners and they carry a considerable load of domestic work along with caring for their family which is frequently given priority over their studies.
Neena Choudhury, another teacher with the cell, said: “Free education proved to be a big attraction. The fact that there was quality teaching by a set of dedicated, honorary teachers drew many students to the cell. It was just a matter of time before the not-for-profit school was looking at spreading its wings.”
Students of the Women’s Cell join the celebrations at Loreto College on Tuesday
Overcoming challenges of the pandemic
Women’s Cell faced immense challenge in keeping up with holding classes during the pandemic as most of the students could not manage to join online classes. The silver jubilee celebrations had to be halted for the same. “Things have been rather difficult the last few years. The pandemic changed life to a great extent, dealing a big setback for the education sector. Educational institutions ceased to function normally, they would close as and when needed. Some institutions conducted online classes,” said Bubna.
The National Open School Examinations were also not held regularly. The vision of attaining certain goals for the silver jubilee year back then was totally blurred for the cell members. But as normality was restored, the cell finally saw some light of hope.
Celebrating 25 years of educating women
However, with the cell functioning again, the celebrations witnessed all members coming together to share their joy. A cake-cutting ceremony was held along with the release of the silver jubilee souvenir followed by lunch.
Former student Shiba Falak Amin shares the story of her journey with the Women’s Cell
A few former students of the Women’s Cell were also present at the event and shared their journey of becoming successful in life. Shiba Falak Amin joined the cell with the hope to learn and be something in life. She is now an academic coordinator of the primary section at Asian International School in Howrah. “When I joined, I did not have any proper educational background. My English was poor and my pronunciation was not up to the mark. The teachers helped me immensely and today I am what I am because of this cell. I am earning for myself and together with my husband running my own house,” she said.
Congratulating the teachers and students on their efforts, Loreto College principal Sr Coutinho said: “The Women’s Cell of Loreto College has for the past 26 years fanned to flame this dream of Mary Ward (founder of Loreto Order), by creating opportunities to ‘change’ the lives of young girls through the non-formal education it offers, to bring a sense of purpose to its students.”