I have recently returned from Sarberia, West Bengal, my third visit in four years.
Each time I go I return with renewed vigour to help the New Life Centre’s Director, Alindra Naskar accomplish his vision of a good education for the village children of this deprived area.

During this trip we visited a local government school, 10 minutes walk from the New Life Centre but a million miles away in terms of facilities and practice. There were no tables and chairs in the school for the children, and only 50% of the children attend regularly.

When I first went to Sarberia in 2008 there were 120 children at the school, now there are just over 300 on the roll. Sponsorship through Hands Around the World’s scheme, is even more important as Alindra never turns anyone away, just because they can’t pay.

What is also great is to see more girls staying on at the school, as girls tend to drop out of schooling earlier than boys in this area.

We have 17 sponsors for the school at the moment and I want to double that number in the next few months. If you could see the joy on the children’s faces as they sing the Indian National anthem at assembly, or take part in the
sports which follows extra tuition in the afternoon, then you wouldn’t hesitate to join our band of sponsors.

This is a truly worthwhile cause, and by sponsoring a child in the New Life Centre, you will make a difference.   There are few real guarantees in life, but I can promise you that sponsorship money has a vital impact on the lives of the children educated in the New Life Centre.