Khushaal Bachpan is an educational initiative promoted by the Canossian Sisters in India, created to support children and adolescents who, due to situations of vulnerability, have been unable to follow a regular school pathway. The project represents one of the many practical expressions of the Canossian charism, which has long recognised education as a fundamental instrument for human development, dignity and hope.
Through Khushaal Bachpan, the Canossian Sisters, together with educators and local collaborators, provide attentive and personalised educational support that begins with academic learning and seeks to foster the holistic development of each child.
Within the Khushaal Bachpan approach, education goes beyond the mere passing of examinations and the attainment of diplomas or certifications — essential though these remain. Instead, it seeks to reshape each student’s future by rebuilding self-confidence and opening new horizons of possibility.
This year once again, the project reached a significant milestone: 52 students from the various Khushaal Bachpan centres successfully completed their applications to sit the Open Schooling examinations. For many of these children and young people, formal education had been interrupted due to complex personal and family circumstances. Open Schooling offers them a second chance — a pathway to return to learning, to grow and to dream once more.
Aware that financial hardship is often one of the greatest barriers to accessing education, the Canossian Sisters, through the Khushaal Bachpan project, covered the costs associated with the examinations. This support goes beyond financial assistance; it conveys a clear and powerful message to the students: you are not alone on this journey.
This year’s achievement builds on the encouraging results of the previous year, when 14 out of 15 students who sat the examinations successfully passed. These outcomes speak to the determination of the students, the dedication of the educators, and the steadfast commitment of the Canossian Sisters — a collective effort rooted in shared responsibility and hope.
Behind every examination passed lies a story: long hours of study, perseverance in the face of challenges, and a deep trust in the transformative power of education. With the right support, encouragement and belief in oneself, even the most difficult life stories can be redirected towards a future of opportunity and fulfilment.
Looking ahead, Khushaal Bachpan, in continuity with the mission of the Canossian Sisters, renews its commitment to expanding educational opportunities, strengthening learning support and walking alongside every child until their full potential is realised.
It is a journey that continues to build a future in which every childhood can truly be khushaal — happy, hopeful and open to life.
