A group of children at an educational centre at Bagnan in Howrah, who come from financially struggling families, put up a Teachers’ Day programme on Sunday.
But, unlike many other schools or institutions, their teachers are their seniors from their village or vicinity who come from similar deprived backgrounds. They too grew up under the tutelage of the centre.
The 28 girls and boys who now are teachers at Howrah Vivekananda Siksha Kendra are pursuing graduation or master’s. Several of them at different points in their lives were on the verge of giving up their studies.
Some of them even had given up studies because of financial constraints that required them to take up some odd jobs to earn a few hundred.
It required coaxing, mentoring and financial support to dissuade them or their parents from not letting them give up schooling.
The 28 of them now teach 140 children at the centre, who study in Classes V to XII at various government schools.
On Sunday the current students paid tribute to their teachers and put up songs, recitations and skits for them to celebrate Teachers’ Day at the centre.
Among the teachers was Souvik Pal, 21, who has completed math honours and has enrolled in a post-graduation course.
Smritikana Ghorai, 18, has just been taken admission in the West Bengal Government College of Nursing, SSKM Hospital.
Ankita Manna, 19, is a third-year student of English honours at Uluberia College.
“They put up a cultural programme for us which is flattering. We know that we are yet not qualified enough to be their teachers but the respect that they showed us has truly touched our hearts,” said Ankita Manna.
Of the 28, those who live in hostels take classes on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tanmoy Patra, the founder of the centre, intends to create a system where the former students will be able to run the centre even in his absence.
“I will not always be here. In my absence, I don’t want the centre to shut down. It should continue to educate children. If former students come forward to return the favour to the centre, this unit will automatically run,” said Patra.
The teachers get a stipend from the centre. This apart, in most cases, the centre arranges for donors who fund their higher studies.
Patra said that despite their schedule and travel he insists that the former students should spend a few hours teaching the children.
“They should not forget their roots. They must remember the hardships they went through to continue their studies. It is their duty to do their bit for the upliftment of the children who come from similar backgrounds as them,” said Patra.
Patra said that the students do not just teach the children but spend time with them and listen to their stories.
“These conversations are really important to make a connection. When a kid is late for class the teacher already knows that he or she had to help complete some chores at home before coming. The kids do not have to explain themselves,” a teacher said.
Smritikana Ghorai, is sensitive to the needs of the children. Before Durga Puja she plans to buy trinkets and cosmetics for the girls.
The children also look up to their teachers and learn by example.
“They see that the teachers go to college far from home to study despite severe financial constraints. It teaches them that if the teachers can beat the odds, so can they,” said Patra.