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One Village, One Teacher (OVOT) is one of the key projects to improve local education facilities in villages. As part of the project, the Welfare Society for Destitute Children supports students with a local teacher from grade 1 to 10 in the village, so that the children irrespective of their caste or creed or financial status get access to this new study support in the village itself. Though it was started with one teacher in one village, soon the number of teachers increased in each village up to three. Students who enroll in OVOT are given Scholarships from the 11th standard onwards so that they can continue with their further studies till the completion of graduation.
An English medium primary school: At St. Catherine we have a strong focus on the development of literacy and numeracy skills as these are the basic building block of learning. St. Catherine has a library made up od donated books. The school also runs a reading club. Children are given a library bag and are encouraged to borrow one book each week. Children in Std 3 and Std 4 have a Home Reader Scheme that encourages them to take home graded readers that they can try independently.
Dormitory housing: Some of the children who live at St Catherines are orphans, some have a parent who are unable to take care of them, and some stay with us because their family circumstances are unsafe. Some have experienced or witnessed extreme trauma. Our Social Workers and Caretakers look after these students in the dormitories and help them to learn about hygiene, social skills and study skills. We currently provide dormitory housing for 80-100 children. We have separate Housing for Boys and Girls.
Project Age 22: Project Age 22 is assisting older students (15-22) continue their education and begin a career. Students who have made good progress with their education and wish to continue with their studies but do not have the means to do so, are given support for their education through the Age 22 Project. This project includes life skills training, and counselling.
Happy Home Project :Happy Home Project is a parent counselling, support and education programme. The Happy Home Project provides a creative healing space for any parent that has experienced trauma in the home. It aims to empower them by giving them training and helping them find job opportunities. Our social workers explain Government assistance schemes and how to navigate the bureaucracy and open a bank account. The program also provides counselling and life skills. Parents learn about positive child rearing practices to improve their interaction with their children. They meet at the school every Sunday, enjoying and benefitting from each other’s company and occasionally having a singing and dancing session. Participation has been life changing for many.
Happy Feet Project: Happy Feet Project provides creative arts, physical activities and Life Skills training. Happy Feet Project was initiated in the year 2006. Many of the children housed at St Catherines feel rejected, unloved,uncared for, unwanted, and unappreciated, and may feel aggressive, lonely, frightened and depressed. This project helps with healing and confidence building through creative classes in dance, capoeira, judo, yoga, drama, music, painting and drumming. Students are also given individual and group counselling and life skills lessons. The annual Happy Feet Event is conducted in January each year and is a very professional display of their achievements.
Education Extension for Senior Girls: After Grade 4, girls who live at St Catherines are able to continue their education at nearby schools. Those who do not get admission into nearby local schools because they are over age, are able to continue their studies through the Pratham Open School or correspondence courses. They are supervised and supported during their studies. Absence of such programs makes girls vulnerable to dropping out of school, early marriage, violence and labour exploitation.
Responsible Relationships Program: This program aims to help older students (15+) to wisely and maturely manage their interaction and relationships in the dormitory, at home, at school, at work, with friends and on social media. It aims to help them become responsible adults and behave as responsible adults.