Children of brick-kiln workers celebrate Christmas at Balagarh

The National Service Scheme (NSS) of Balagarh Bijoy Krishna Mahavidyalaya, which created an open learning space called Biplabi Bhupati Majumdar Pathshala, celebrated Christmas with children of migratory brick-kiln workers on Wednesday.

The open-air school was set up for children whose lives are surrounded not by classrooms and playgrounds, but by brick kilns, dust-filled air and constant uncertainty. While their parents go out to work each day, the children are often left to wander aimlessly. In this open classroom, the children have not merely learnt alphabets and numbers, but have also begun to dream of a better future.

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Speaking on the occasion, Partha Chatterjee, an NSS officer of Balagarh Bijoy Krishna Mahavidyalaya, said that it was immensely heartening to see children who once wandered in dust now growing up with education and values. “They are developing a sense of right and wrong, learning good habits, personal hygiene, discipline and punctuality,” he said. He added that celebrating Christmas with them had also taught the children lessons of love, care, sharing and a feeling of oneness.