St Simon's School

St. Simon’s School, located in the state of Odisha, is Helping Point’s largest project. The school was founded in 2002 and works to meet the dire need for education in rural India. St. Simon’s School currently educates, feeds and cares for close to 300 children, ranging in age from 4-16, primarily from the “Dalit” (also known as “Untouchable") community. 

Many of the students come from extremely poor families who are unable to provide them with the basic necessities. Education, is widely recognised in India as one of the most necessary tools in the struggle against poverty. Helping Point’s vision for St. Simon’s School is to offer a systematic English education to underprivileged children, with the hope that it will help to lift them, and their families, out of extreme poverty.

Helping Point employs a team of dedicated staff members, many of who come from the same region themselves and are committed to serving the students’ holistic development. By hiring these individuals, who are uniquely equipped to navigate issues faced by the children and their families, Helping Point provides much-needed employment opportunities to rural Indian communities. Both the teachers and staff members strive to provide a safe and loving environment for the young students, where they can thrive, learn and grow.

The school also uses many of the surrounding farms for food provision and work together with the local authorities for the good of the wider community.