Friends of Calcutta is a voluntary Irish charity that supports the education of underprivileged children in Kolkata and West Bengal. We fund the operation of schools and educational programmes that are expertly managed and delivered on the ground by our trusted Indian NGO partners. 100% of all donations raised in Ireland go directly to support these partner-run projects.
Founded in 1994 by a group of returned volunteers, Friends of
Calcutta is a fully voluntary Irish Registered Charity. Our
mission is to fundraise in Ireland and provide financial and
strategic support to Indian NGO partners working in the field
of education for disadvantaged communities.
Through
this partnership, we currently support approximately 800
students across several schools and educational centres
located in the bustees (slums) of Kolkata and the Sunderbans,
100 km outside the city. All projects are operated and staffed
locally by Indian NGO professionals who engage closely with
students, parents, and communities to achieve meaningful
outcomes.
Opened in 1996 and operated by our partner NGO, the Topsia
School serves children from migrant families who moved to
Kolkata in search of work. Friends of Calcutta is proud to
have supported this centre since its founding. Many students
have progressed to university-level education — a remarkable
achievement given the challenging living conditions they
face.
Located in the heart of a former municipal garbage dump, the Tangra Education Centre was established in 1997. Operated entirely by our Indian partner, it serves the children of rag pickers and informal workers. Thanks to consistent support, early dropout rates have dropped significantly, and many students now pursue further education.
Founded in 1999, this school is located in the Docklands area
of Kolkata and supports children from migrant worker
communities. In 2018, the school (run by our partner NGO)
launched an Adult Literacy Programme with support from Friends
of Calcutta. In 2020, a partnership with Calcutta Rescue
brought ongoing medical support to the area, enriching the
community services offered.
These stories reflect the life-changing impact of the education
provided by our NGO
partners, supported by Friends of
Calcutta:
A former student of Tangra, now a legal advisor and a founding member of the Tangra FOC board.
An alumnus of the Topsia school who now holds a Master’s in Political Science and teaches at the same centre.
Educated at Khidderpore, now a commerce graduate and a committed volunteer in adult literacy programmes.
This initiative provides apprenticeship training in tailoring
and handicrafts to 52 learners across centres in Topsia,
Tangra, and Khidderpore. Operated by our Indian partners and
funded by Friends of Calcutta, the programme equips trainees
with vocational skills and self-
reliance.
Graduates
receive sewing machines, produce uniforms for younger
students, and take on external commissions. The annual
Handicraft Award Night celebrates their creativity and
accomplishments, with the much-anticipated Sheela Sengupta
Award honouring the most innovative design.