Montessori Junior High School is situated amidst industrial buildings and HGV parks an hour’s drive from the Foothills of the Himalayas. First visited by Lotus Flower Trust in 2017, it was found to be a vibrant establishment, managed by enthusiastic female staff and teachers, which prioritized girls’ education, in some very rundown buildings. It was identified as needing a completely new building and so, funded by TFWA Care, in 2019 a new school was constructed and opened with 200 students - an even number of boys and girls - attending. This school receives no support from local or national Government.

The children at this school come from families who work as industrial or farm labours and road workers. They live in very run-down houses, many below the poverty line, with their fees subsidised by the better off students. In these circumstances it is quite normal for girls to be denied schooling, as boys’ education takes priority, despite the girls being equally as clever and well worth investing in.

The school is now the only platform for the children in this area to obtain a good education. Priority subjects that are needed for basic employment in the ever-growing India, is a sound knowledge of English, Mathematics and Computer literacy. The teachers can look after English and Mathematics but neither the school nor the children’s families can afford to buy computers. Trying to act as a catalyst, Lotus Flower Trust aims to install Computer Laboratories in all its schools and homes, with the following as the basic requirements: 10 computers, 2 laptops for teachers, desktop furniture, projector, printer and an electronic white board, totalling £11,000.

Would you consider donating towards a Computer Laboratory for these children? This would help provide these very deprived children an opportunity to raise their level of education, making them more employable and able to escape the cycle of poverty.