The Santals are one of the largest recognised tribes in north-east India with their own culture and language. Economically, they are one of the poorest communities.
Ghosaldanga Bishnubati Adibasi Trust has been working for over three decades in two Santal villages, Ghosaldanga and Bishnubati in Birbhum District of West Bengal. The aim of the organisation is to provide comprehensive support to the tribal population of the Santals in these two villages and in the neighbouring villages, particularly in the area of education.
The children, all first generation learners, are taught in their own language ‘Santali’ in the first two formative school years and gradually switch to ‘Bengali’, the West Bengali state language. The curriculum is based on the state government’s syllabus, as at the end of secondary school the pupils are expected to pass a final examination organised by the government.
Children often find it difficult to understand the Indian government’s curriculum, often lose interest in learning and drop out of school.
Teaching staff therefore receive intensive training in pedagogy for children from linguistic and cultural minorities in order to provide them with a holistic education. In addition to the main subjects, the pupils also learn the traditional knowledge of their tribe.
Project no.: 186-23
Funding country: India
Funding location: Ghosaldanga and Bishnubati, Birbhum District, West Bengal
Funding year: 2023 – 2025
Project partner: Freundeskreis Ghosaldanga und Bishnubati e.V
Local organization: Ghosaldanga Bishnubati Adibasi Trust