Strengthening Partnerships, Transforming Futures – A Donor Visit to Brickfield Schools

    On 13th February 2025, Ms. Alexandra, representative of O My Bag, Netherlands — a key financial supporter of the Brickfield Schools (BFS) initiative — visited Haroa to assess the impact of the program. Organised by Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC), this visit highlighted the transformative role of education for migrant children in brickfield communities, focusing on curriculum delivery, stakeholder engagement, and holistic child development.  

Key Activities & Observations:

1. RBC Brickfield School Visit:

Engagement with Stakeholders:

• Alexandra interacted with teachers and students, observing classroom dynamics and participatory learning methods.
• Reviewed curriculum files, lesson plans, and attendance registers to evaluate academic structure and consistency.

Community Interaction:

• Joined children in fun activities, fostering joy and connection.
• Held a brief meeting with the brick kiln owner to discuss challenges and opportunities in supporting education amid industry demands.

Recommendations:

• Sustain rigorous documentation of lesson plans and attendance.
• Strengthen partnerships with brick kiln owners for continued collaboration.

2. GCO Brickfield School Visit:

Parental & Community Engagement:

• Alexandra met the mothers to understand their perspectives on their children’s education and development.
• Discussed the role of nutrition with the local food vendor, applauding the quality of nutritious tiffin provided to students.

Student Interaction:

• Encouraged children through participatory exercises, emphasising the importance of engagement in learning.

Recommendations:

• Expand initiatives to increase involvement of parents in school activities.
• Ensure consistent monitoring of food quality and nutritional standards.

Overall Impact & Feedback:

Program Strengths:

• Alexandra commended the structured curriculum, effective lesson planning, and robust attendance management.
• Highlighted the positive impact of BFS in bridging educational gaps for migrant children.

Community Collaboration:

• Interactions with mothers, brick kiln owners, and vendors underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in sustaining the program.
• The quality of food provided to children was praised, linking nutrition to academic performance.

Quotes from the Visit:

Conclusion & Next Steps:

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