Christian school to focus on education of sex workers’ children

Calcutta – St. John School, managed and run by the Church of North India (CNI) in Calcutta is all prepared to start an elementary school for the children of sex workers that will offer them a better future and ensure their dignity.



The CNI–run school organized a charity event on November 30 to raise funds for the construction of the new school.

According to the school principal, Rosita Chrestien, there were already some NGOs that are trying to educate these children, but due to lack of proper vision, guidance or infrastructure, these children barely learn to read or write anything.

St. John School has already acquired some rooms in a market area and will begin imparting lessons to the socially challenged children. The classes, scheduled to begin in January 2006, will begin in the evening followed by dinner. Facilities will also be provided for the children to stay in the school overnight before being sent home the following morning.

Though initially a few children will be inducted, plans have been made to induct as many as 200–300 children later, Chrestien said. and St. John plans to start with a few children initially and take in as many as 300 later.

A proper school building will soon house the classes for these underprivileged children and will officially be part of the 111–year diocesan school and bear its name, Chrestien added.