Together We Progress

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.

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About Us

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.

The Schools We Support

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Topsia

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.

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Tangra

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.

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Khidderpore

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.

Students Stories

These stories reflect the life-changing impact of the education provided by our NGO
partners, supported by Friends of Calcutta:

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Priya
Attorney, Legal Advisor

A former student of Tangra, now a legal advisor and a founding member of the Tangra FOC board.

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Nasir
Master Degree in Political Science, Teacher

An alumnus of the Topsia school who now holds a Master’s in Political Science and teaches at the same centre.

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Salim
Commerce Graduate, Teacher

Educated at Khidderpore, now a commerce graduate and a committed volunteer in adult literacy programmes.

The Diamond Project

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.

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25th Anniversary Celebration of Tangra Centre

The Rajiv Ganguly Sports Tournament

An annual inter-NGO sports event hosted by Tangra FOC, celebrating teamwork,
achievement, and youth development in a fun, inclusive setting.
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Friends of Calcutta
Irish Registered Charity CHY 13218
Registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority No. 20040611

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