Starting with just 20 beneficiaries Ek Tara now has 950 children as a part of its programme and projects. All beneficiaries including those in the vocational training unit have access to support programmes on health, hygiene, nutrition and skill building opportunities.
Why We
Started?
- 30% of West Bengal’s population are marginalised community.
- 64% of the marginalised community population are illiterate with the proportion being even higher for women.
- Only 33% of the state’s population live in 3500 registered and unregistered slums.
- Community comprises of migrant unskilled and seasonal workers with an average monthly income of Rs. 4000 or 70 USD.
- Only 10% of the youth complete class 10 and the rest are trapped in the cycle of unemployment and substance abuse.
- A room of 120 sqft., average 7 members, no water supply, shared toilets between 12-15 families- is home.
The Community
West Bengal shares borders internationally with Bangladesh and locally with three states – Bihar, Jharkhand & Odisha. Most of our beneficiaries are migrants from the neighbouring state of Bihar who settled here for better job prospects when the tanneries were fully functional. However, the government crackdown on tanneries operating within city limits, and with most getting relocated outside the Green Belt, resulted in mass unemployment and poverty. Today, these workers earn a paltry living as either daily wage laborers or by working as cheap labour in make-shift leather shoe sole units.
The cycle of poverty and lack of education has thus prohibited this community from any development and it is our aim to at least make sure that future generations can break out of it.
Our
Challenges
- Absence of English medium Government Schools and High cost of private schooling
- Poor quality teaching in schools with no after school support
- Lack of study space at home
- Lack of opportunities for school drop outs
- Lack of skill building opportunities for children
Our
Ideology
- Complete focus on children with emphasis on the girl child
- Creating community leaders
- Provide for a positive long term societal impact leading to mindset changes
- Allow full transparency and accountability
- Formulate partnerships that go beyond monetary commitments
Reports & Publications
Annual Reports
Publications
Testimonials
Give a Little.
Help a lot.

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Covid-19 Relief
Donate Ration kit to an underprivileged family for 1 month

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Donate Towards Topsia Fire
We urge everyone to help us rebuild the lives of those affected by the fire that destroyed one of our slums in Topsia

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Relief & Rehabilitation Project
Support our Covid-19 Relief & Rehabilitation Project

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Sponsor Tele-classes for children
Donate to support tele-classes for children for Covid-19 Project

Give a Little
Relief & Rehabilitation Project
Support our Covid-19 Relief & Rehabilitation Project

Give a Little
Sponsor Tele-classes for children
Donate to support tele-classes for children for Covid-19 Project
Latest Happenings
Events, workshops & festivities at ek tara
Topsia Blazes
The massive fire incident at Topsia had completely destroyed the slum community at Mazdurpara. Over 300 people have been displaced…
Launch of Mothers’ Forum “Inara”
Ek Tara launched a Mothers’ Forum called “Inara” (Ray of Light) to mobilise and empower young mothers to combat adversities and as platform…
Katha Collaboration
Katha has partners with EkTara (www.ektara.org.in) for the 300M Citizen’s Challenge Partner. About 300M Challenge: India has 300 million children…