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SOSTEGNO-A-DISTANZA (SAD) - SPONSERSHIP PROJECT
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Andrewspalli Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) is currently implementing the Sponsorship Project in three Gram Panchayats- Jogeshganj, Gobindakati, and Kalitala, under the Hingalganj block of North 24 Parganas. The project focuses on health and education, and presently supports 319 marginalized children. In addition the organization implements Child Education and protect activities in three tribal villages in Bolpur – Illambazar zone where 106 tribal children are provided free education on holistic way along with components of child protection that includes Child Sexual Abuse, Child Marriage, Child Labour, Trafficking, Child Abuse, etc
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Key features of the Project:
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- Learning Centres: Seven Learning Centres in Madhavkati, Sardarpara, Hemnagar, Uttar Gobindokati, Dakshin Gobindokati, Romapur, and Samsernagar provide free supplementary coaching to sponsored children.
- Dedicated Teachers: 23 qualified Resource Persons deliver academic support using joyful learning methods and innovative teaching materials.
- Nutritious Meals: Children receive Quarterly Nutrition Pack at the learning centres to support their growth and well-being.
- Healthcare Support: Quarterly medical check-up camps provide free consultations and medicines prescribed by registered medical practitioners.
- Health & Hygiene Workshops: Regular workshops are conducted in schools, learning centres, and communities to promote health awareness.s
- Extra-Curricular Activities: Children engage in dance, drawing, yoga, and other activities to enhance creativity and development.
- Assessment & Progress Tracking: Teachers conduct mock tests to monitor learning outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
- Counseling Support: Children at risk of dropping out receive regular guidance and counseling.
- Child Clubs & Community Engagement: Children participate in child clubs, taking part in community awareness initiatives on child labour, child marriage, environmental protections, Children Health – hygiene issues through songs, rallies, and street plays, etc. Also track children regularly in the communities to monitor issues of child labour, child marriage and child trafficking.
- Addressing the issues of Child Labour, Child Marriage, Child Sexual Abuse, Online Child Sexual Abuse, Child Trafficking: Regular awareness creation and sensitization activities on the issues are conducted with parents, adolescent children, communities along with home visits, time to time meeting with local authorities, Police and Learning Centre Management committees, engagement of Community leaders for creating safer environment of the children and for their wellbeing.
This comprehensive approach ensures that children not only receive educational support but also thrive in health, social engagement, and personal development.
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Result of the Project:
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The Sponsorship Project has yielded significant positive outcomes for the children and their communities:
- Academic Improvement: There has been a noticeable improvement in the marks scored by the children, and in 2016, the failure rate was NIL.
- Educational Support: Children receive structured learning support at the centres, which they often do not get at home.
- Continued Education: Material support provided by the project has enabled children to continue their education without interruption.
- Health Enhancement: The project has contributed to a visible improvement in the health status of the children.
- Better Hygiene Practices: There has been a marked improvement in hygiene practices among both children and their families.
- Increased School Attendance: Attendance rates in schools have risen to 85%.
- Reduced Child Marrige, Child Labour and Trafficking: The project could bring awareness and alertness among the parents and the communities on the issues of child protection and reduced cases of Child Marriage, Child Labour and Trafficking in project areas.
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On 9 March 2026, the ACID team alongside ANMs, GNMs, ICDS representatives, and Anganwadi health workers conducted a comprehensive awareness session on reproductive health and menstruation for adolescent boys and girls.
To combat malnutrition and enhance dietary health among sponsored children and their families, ACID has established homestead nutrition gardens across the intervention zone of Sundarbans. Recognizing that fresh produce is financially out of reach for many vulnerable households, the organization distributes seasonal vegetable seeds three times a year. This is paired with hands-on training in sustainable cultivation, empowering families to grow their own nutrient-rich food and diversify their daily meals. 
A 15-year-old Class X student in a remote Hingalganj village faced an arranged marriage to an older man due to poverty. Terrified of losing her dream to become a teacher, she confided in her fellow Child Cabinet members. The youth leaders alerted their teacher facilitators and visited the parents, explaining the health risks, school dropout consequences, and legal penalties of child marriage. When the parents resisted due to financial hardships, the Child Cabinet brought in local leaders and ACID staff for a structured counselling session. The intervention succeeded, the parents called off the wedding and pledged support through graduation. This year, the proactive safety net built by the Child Cabinet, ACID staff and teachers successfully prevented seven underage marriages, proving the power of youth led advocacy.
To foster innovation in the classroom, ACID conducted a professional development program, “Empowering Teachers Through New-Age Pedagogy,” during November–December 2025. The training equipped educators with modern, student centric approaches, including the 5E Model, Competency-Based Learning (CBL), Experiential-Based Learning (EBL), and Inquiry Based Learning (IBL). Through hands-on demonstrations, collaborative simulations, and practical classroom applications, teachers gained experience in designing engaging lesson plans that promote active learning, critical thinking, and skill development. Moving beyond traditional lecture-based instruction, the program encouraged educators to create dynamic learning environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and meaningful student engagement. By integrating these progressive pedagogical practices, ACID and participating teachers have taken a significant step toward building future-ready classrooms and enhancing learning outcomes for every student.
On 15 March 2026, the Seva Vibhaga of Patha Bhavana School, Visva-Bharati, organized an enriching Village Visit Program for 65 senior students, facilitated by the Andrewspalli Centre for Integrated Development (ACID). The exposure visit enabled students to engage with tribal communities, fostering cultural understanding and meaningful social connections. The day featured a vibrant cultural exchange showcasing local tribal traditions, music, Rabindra Sangeet and Nritya, creating a shared space of learning and mutual respect. In a meaningful gesture of solidarity, Patha-Bhavana’s Seva Vibhaga distributed essential school supplies - including durable school bags, water bottles, and sitting mat to the children attending the ACID run Learning Centre in Binodpur tribal village. This thoughtful contribution directly supports the young learners in their daily educational journey, leaving a lasting impact on the village.
On 14 November 2025, the Andrewspalli Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) celebrated Children’s Day by organising a vibrant children's cultural event. The event took place on the premises of the ACID Learning Centre in Binodpur, a tribal village located within the Bolpur-Sriniketan Community Development Block. Designed to celebrate childhood and promote holistic development, this initiative provided an invaluable platform for children from historically marginalised sections of society. In an area where access to creative expression and personal development opportunities is traditionally limited, this event served as a vital space for self-expression. Aligning with the spirit of children's rights, the celebration underscored the importance of ensuring the comprehensive growth of every child. The program aimed to give young participants a stage to showcase their unique talents through various cultural activities. Beyond individual artistic expression, the event was structured to promote inclusiveness, foster social awareness, and encourage collective efforts toward community development. By bringing the community together, this collaborative gathering successfully strengthened local partnerships, laying a solid foundation for future developmental initiatives in the region.
