Every morning 150 children, aged between 5 and 10 make their way through the streets of Idgah Mohallah, on Tannery Road, Industrial area of Bangalore. They come to a small house rented by Hope Foundation. The house serves as a school and is staffed entirely by Hope Foundation teachers. The children arrive in clean uniforms and with school bags. Parents of these children are either casual labourers or beggars. They gladly pay the monthly tuition fees of Rs 15 per child which is waived in special cases.

The teachers are extremely motivated and work hard to provide their students with high quality education. Their approach involves flexible schedules, hands-on learning, high student participation and a friendly, relaxed style of teaching in an informal setting. The children are served a nutritious lunch each day and, once a month, a doctor conducts a general health check-up, giving special attention to those who need it. The teachers counsel the parents, as well as the students, on how to cope with poverty-related issues, such as unemployment and alcoholism.

The success of the teachers, students and parents is made evident by the ninety-five per cent of the students who graduate each year to the next class. Despite many challenges, the parents, their children and the teachers share a very special bond. Each year the Hope Foundation School is adding a new grade level to accommodate the children of the previous year's highest class. As the children progress to higher levels, they will also learn various vocational training skills, including computers. The Hope Foundation in Bangalore also conducts programmes like computer training, medical care and TB Control.

Those who want to be associated with the social services of Hope Foundation can contact them at:

Address:
# 152/1, Wheeler Road,
Wheeler Mansion,
Bangalore - 560 005.
Phone: 2536 2151
Fax: 2529 7639

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