The Sundarbans Social Empowerment Centre is a committed Non-government Organisation (NGO) aiming to uplift the lives of the poor and backward communities in the isolated Sundarbans region. We realise the limitation of resources in this region and the difficulties that people here need to go through. We aim to address these scenarios which hinder progress significantly. Our NGO has a dedicated trustee board which has analysed the situation here and determined the steps to be taken ahead.
From our observations of the Sundarbans region, we have identified certain factors which need immediate attention. We believe that these are the factors that are holding Sundarbans back.
• Lack of quality schools: The Sundarbans region is not blessed with a large number of quality educational institutions which will take the youth forward. As a result of the low number of schools, it becomes extremely challenging for students to access good education. Considering that there are several other related factors that impede the education of students, the quality of schools is surely a concerning factor.
• Conveyance: One of the most challenging tasks for the residents of the Sundarbans region is to travel from one place to another. For most students, accessing schools entail crossing rivers, irrespective of the weather conditions. Such travelling facilities also hinder other sectors, including healthcare, stunting overall growth of the region.
• Unavailability of sufficient competent teachers: The number of teachers found in the Sundarbans region is far lesser in comparison to what is required. The youth of the region need not only formal education but also guidance and counselling with regard to their future and the career path they should take. It is apparent that the youth here is not encouraged enough to continue with their education and take a career path that will help them progress and have a better life.
• Parenting illiteracy: Owing to the lack of resources in the Sundarban region, education has always taken a backseat, leading to generations of illiteracy. As a result, when these people become parents, there is always a gap between what they teach their children and what the children must learn. Thus, the school remains the only place from where the youth can learn things. In light of the rickety schooling system of the Sundarbans, the youth can never reach their fullest potential.
• Environmental problems: Because of the geographical location of the Sundarbans, this area goes through several environmental calamities like cyclones and floods every year. The river banks grow weaker with time, leading to increasing water levels and riskier living. People lack the awareness about the necessary steps to be taken in such situations.
We understand the grave situation of the Sundarbans and understand the steps that need to be taken to address it. We have determined a roadmap for us which includes focusing on education, healthcare and environment, aiming to achieve a holistic growth of the region.
• Establishment of a school for the marginalised population: Our first step to improve the Sundarbans is to establish a school here which provides high quality education. We will cater to the ST, SC, OBC, and other underprivileged students of the region. Initially, we will have the kindergarten (KG) section of the school, aiming to create a strong foundation for children to build upon. With time, as we accumulate adequate resources, we intend to build the school up to the 12th grade (that is, the Higher Secondary level).
• Overall growth and development of students: SSEC will not only focus on formal education but will also focus on character building of students. Students will get to participate in dance, music, sports, and other cultural and competitive activities which will help them identify their interests and develop their personality.
• Secular setting: The school we open will be not limited to any particular religion, caste, or community. It will cater to every religion and caste. That will not only improve the standing of youth across communities but also enhance their inclusivity and perspective about the world.
• Residential setup: Our school will have a residential setup. This will allow students to be disciplined and have a good lifestyle. People coming from underprivileged backgrounds will not have to think about basic necessities like food and shelter. They can solely focus on their education and make efforts to go forward. In addition, students will be able to explore more about everything they learn at school during daytime under the guidance of learned tutors in their hostels. Growing up in such a intellectually stimulating environment will certainly open their minds and take them to newer heights.
We, at SSEC, believe that with your help, we will be able to achieve every thin we want to for the benefit of the people in the Sundarbans region. Any fund we receive will help us work more effectively toward our goal.
Certain systematic deficiencies in the Sundarbans healthcare sector prevent people from accessing healthcare services at critical junctures. We aim to bridge those gaps to ensure essential healthcare facilities for every resident of the Sundarbans.
• Improving ambulance services: SSEC aims to increase the number of ambulances available to the residents of the Sundarbans. We aim to have multiple ambulances, both boat and car, to assist anyone in need. We aim to make sure that any person in need of medical attention is able to reach the medical facility in time, irrespective of the geographical location in these islands or the weather.
• Developing health clinics: Down the line, we intend to establish multiple health clinics in the region which will offer medical facilities to the residents. Very often, the people here, owing to difficulty in conveyance or availability of facilities, are unable to seek medical help. We at SSEC aim to address this situation and make it better.
We are confident that with your help we will reach such a position where we can contribute productively to improve the healthcare sector of the Sundarbans and eventually provide specialised services to the people here.
The Sundarbans region has several natural calamities every year. From cyclones to floods, the Sundarbans suffer a lot due to nature. A large section of the people here are unaware of the steps they must take to reduce their damage. They are also unaware of the various steps that might be taken to reduce damaging the nature. We want to focus on this area as well and elevate the overall condition of the region.
• Awareness about tree plantation: We intend to educate the masses in the Sundarbans about the necessity of planting trees. Increasing awareness about this will encourage them to plant more trees, especially near the river banks. Planting trees in strategic locations will stop river banks from eroding and increasing water levels.
• Increasing safety: A large portion of the Sundarbans population is dependent on the nature for their income and survival. We will educate them to not only protect themselves during their work but also protect the environment.
With sufficient funds, we will be able to conduct enough training sessions and workshops so as to educate the masses and assist them in having a better life.
We have a vision in our minds about the Sundarbans we want to see in the future. We dream of every person in the Sundarbans having the basic amenities of life. We want their children to get educated and change the landscape of the region. For this, we earnestly request you to contribute to the best of your capability to the success of our goal. Adequate financial resources will enable us to do everything that is necessary for the people of the Sundarbans. Our collaborative efforts will help these people to break the vicious circle of poverty, illiteracy, and ceaseless fear of life. Contact us for any additional details and join us to make our dream a reality. Thank you!