Sikkim academy seeks financial help

Kursongkit Lepcha scored 92 per cent in (Science) CBSE board exams, Samjore Lepcha is leaving for Netherlands after winning the first prize from the Dutch Embassy in Delhi, Kinzangkit Lepcha bagged a scholarship to study at the Scottish Church College in Kolkata, and Rha Tshering Lepcha who studies in Kolkata's St. Xavier's College not only excels in academics but in singing, sports and creative arts as well. The trajectory of these children's lives could have perhaps taken a different route if it wasn't for the Sikkim Himalayan Academy (SHA).

Nestled on the forested mountain slopes of west Sikkim, SHA seeks out children belonging to underprivileged backgrounds, often from remote areas of the state, and provides them with free quality education from nursery to Class V. Founded in 2003 by a group of local Sikkimese teachers and volunteers, the residential school was being run on funds contributed by generous individuals. However, the not-for-profit institution is seeing its funds depleting over the last year.

The threat of shutting down is looming large over the school, and so, Guman Singh Gurung, Principal of SHA has turned to the crowdfunding platform, Ketto, and initiated a fund raiser with the goal of reaching Rs7,50,000 in the next 20 odd days. But before you rush to help these children, here's a glimpse of life at the Sikkim Himalayan Academy.

Why did the academy opt for a residential model?

Most of our students come from homes where the environment is not conducive to learning. To address this, the school is coupled with a hostel facility, and it provides free shelter, food and clothing. It has been observed that children perform significantly better when they stay in the hostel. The presence of in-house teachers, a small library and other study material creates an environment that fosters a passion for learning. It allows the children to concentrate on their studies, away from the hardships at their homes.

Since the students come from family backgrounds that don't encourage education, how do you convince their parents or family to send their child to your school?
The fact that SHA is a residential school acts as an incentive for parents who otherwise might not send the child to school. Parents looking after large families of five to six children seek this option, as it considerably reduces the burden of their house expenses. There are instances when children leave the school for vacations and do not return on time when the school resumes. I personally visit such families and convince them to send the children.

Can you elaborate on the changes in government policies and transformation in the education sector that led to a decrease in funds?

While the policies and campaigns of the current government such as Startup India have boosted investment in the entrepreneurship sector, it has, to some extent, left the non-profit sector vulnerable. Several donors, such as our previous ones, have shifted their focus to now invest their resources on interventions that are backed with a business model and a sustainability plan. While this may be relevant for the long term, it's important to understand that given the complex socio-economic structure of India, non-profit approach is a must on several fronts; primary education, especially in rural parts, being one such front.

What are the prospects of the students after Class V?

On completing their primary education, children join the government higher secondary school. We try hard to find sponsors for all deserving children who are then sent to good private schools. Many of our students are now studying in residential higher secondary schools like Eklavya Model Residential School and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. Some of the older children have been sponsored and are studying at private schools like Dr. Graham's Homes. Some are pursuing higher education at Scottish Church College and St. Xavier's College in Kolkata.

Visit www.ketto.org/fundraiser/sikkimhimalayanacademy to contribute funds