National Institute for Open Schooling
The National Institute for Open Schooling in India provides an exam equivalent to the pre-university level (or year 12) to children who, for various reasons were not able to continue their education in regular schools.
There are currently 70 students divided between two classes who were former high school drop outs. Most of the students come from extremely poor backgrounds where an entire family of 6-8 people would be sharing one small room.
Without the help of St. Mary’s, the school which facilitates the programme, these children would be forced to work as day labourers or even worse. The National Institute for Open Schooling provides the children with a uniform, study materials and a healthy daily meal. Many of the students opt to stay on after school to avail of the classrooms as a quite place to study.
In addition to this there are a further 22 boys who are supported financially to complete their higher schooling at other local schools in the area. Again, the National Institute for Open Schooling and St. Mary’s provide them with uniforms, books and materials, school fees and travel allowances where needed.