On 12th June 2025, Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC) marked its 11th Foundation Day, a deeply significant moment of reflection, gratitude, and collective recommitment to the legacy of Venerable Mary Ward — whose vision of justice, freedom, and sincerity continues to guide the organisation’s journey.

The day began with a soulful and prayerful gathering of the entire KMWSC team — a celebration filled with thanksgiving for Mary Ward’s life and for the path the organisation has travelled over the past eleven years. Staff members offered heartfelt prayers for KMWSC’s mission, vision and goals with reverence and love. The reflections shared by senior team members stirred memories of shared struggles and triumphs, highlighting how KMWSC and its people have grown together — shaped by a common purpose and a spirit of service.

Simultaneously, the spirit of the Foundation Day resonated across various project locations — especially through the Brickfield School Project centres in Basirhat, Kalyani, Budge Budge, Haroa and Akra, where vibrant after-school celebrations with children and teachers featured songs, dances, and storytelling. These cultural expressions were not only joyful but deeply symbolic of KMWSC’s commitment to nurturing young minds through education and care.

At Dulki village under the Lotus Child Project, the celebration was coupled with a meaningful awareness session on child labour, sensitizing children about their rights and the importance of education. In Basirhat, under the Anti-Human Trafficking Project, the event became a creative platform for both celebration and advocacy against exploitation.

The Naya Disha team commemorated the Foundation Day alongside the World Day Against Child Labour at Potherdabi Tetultola ICDS Centre in Hingalganj, where community members and ICDS workers gathered for an impactful awareness session. Topics included child protection, safe and unsafe touch, the harms of child labour, and basic human rights. The programme inspired the community to take a proactive stand against child exploitation.

Across every corner — whether in quiet prayer or vibrant public engagement — the 11th Foundation Day of KMWSC served as a powerful reminder of its mission: to empower, to protect, and to uplift. As we celebrate every child reached and every life transformed, we remain firmly rooted in the enduring charism of Mary Ward.

May the spirit of Mary Ward continue to shine through our work, in our families, and in every act of justice and compassion.

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