Literacy Program

Objective

The Free To Be Kids (FTBK) runs a Literacy Program for Women in the community with the aim of empowering them through education. This program helps women learn to read and write in Bengali, enabling them to handle their daily lives with greater confidence and independence. By gaining literacy skills, they are better equipped to care for themselves and their families, manage household responsibilities, and participate more actively in their children’s education. Beyond learning, the program also creates a warm and supportive environment where women come together, share experiences, and build strong bonds of friendship. It serves as a safe and encouraging space for personal growth, mutual encouragement, and collective empowerment—helping each participant move towards a more self-reliant and dignified future.

Key Achievements in Month

The Adult Literacy Program supported all 60 enrolled learners across four groups during the month. The team continued focused lessons to build basic literacy skills. Group 1 worked on alphabet practice, Group 2 practiced signatures and Book 1, Lesson 5, and Group 3 learned to write addresses while also completing Book 1, Lesson 5. The program also completed 37 Individual Progress Reports to track each learner’s progress.

Education Program

Objective

The main objective of the Education Program is to support the overall development and learning of underserved children across all centres. The program aims to build strong basic literacy and numeracy skills through regular, age-appropriate lessons. It also helps children enrol in school, stay in school, and gain confidence in their studies. Along with this, the program creates a supportive environment by monitoring each child’s progress and involving families through awareness activities on safety, health, and hygiene.

Key Achievements in NOVEMBER 2025

The Education and Nutrition Program continued its essential support across all areas in November 2025. The education team conducted regular learning sessions in six centres, where 165 children were enrolled and 121 attended during the month. Classes were held for four age groups and focused on basic literacy, general knowledge about India’s longest geographical features, and simple moral stories.

A key milestone this month was preparing six children for the new school session in 2026, including children from Area 2 and Tank No-05 who are getting ready for Pre- Primary, Class 1 and Class 5. In total, the program continued to support 112 school-going children. A total of 13 children received study materials, including copy books and pencils.

World Toilet Day Awareness Program

FTBK observed World Toilet Day to teach children the importance of proper toilet use and good hygiene. The program encouraged them to keep their surroundings clean and take responsibility for shared spaces. On 19 November 2025, 50 children from four target slums joined the sessions. The team explained correct toilet use, hand washing, and simple cleanliness habits. Afterwards, the children and staff cleaned the community toilets together as a practical activity. The program increased the children’s understanding of hygiene and motivated them to keep their toilet areas clean. It also encouraged teamwork and supported healthier habits in the community. 

Program Name: Exposure visit to ECO Park

On 27th November 2025, Free To Be Kids organised an exposure visit to ECO Park for 17 children from the Salt Lake Slum Communities. These children are part of the Education and Nutrition project. The visit was supported by staff members Mr. Binu As, Mr. Abhijit Chakraborty, Mr. Rajib Paryal, Mr. Kala Roy, and Ms. Mousumi Mondal, who accompanied the children throughout the day.

During the visit, the children explored different sections of ECO Park where they learned about the rich cultural history of Bengal and the bravery shown by its freedom fighters. They also walked through the area displaying the Seven Wonders replicas, which helped them understand the importance and stories behind famous monuments from around the world. After the learning activities, the children enjoyed some relaxing time at the kids’ park, where they played fun games and joined in different recreational activities. This added excitement and happiness to their day, making the visit a memorable experience for all of them.

 The exposure visit created a meaningful learning experience for the children. They gained new knowledge about Bengal’s history, world monuments, and cultural heritage. The visit also encouraged curiosity, boosted their confidence, and strengthened their social interaction. Additionally, the recreational activities helped improve their physical fitness and emotional well-being. Overall, the visit offered the children both education and enjoyment, making it a valuable experience for their growth.

Program Name: Children’s Day Celebration

On 14 November 2025, the program began with a warm welcome by the host, Mr. Debasis Naskar, for all 105 participants. After the welcome, Mr. Abhijit Chakraborty shared the importance of Children’s Day and encouraged the children to work hard for their future. He also explained the efforts of India’s first Prime Minister toward child rights and development. Children then participated in different cultural activities, including games, dances, and small dramas. The activities created a lively and joyful atmosphere and allowed the children to express their talents. FTBK also arranged a special lunch for all the children, which made them feel even more, cared for and added to the happiness of the day.To conclude the program, Mr. Binu, Managing Trustee of FTBK, motivated the children to stay committed to their studies and make positive choices. He thanked everyone for their participation and support.

The Children’s Day celebration helped create a positive and happy environment for all children involved. It strengthened their confidence, encouraged them to participate in group activities, and reminded them about the importance of their rights and responsibilities. The program also helped build stronger connections between children, volunteers, and staff. Overall, the event supported the emotional and social development of the children and made them feel valued and inspired for the future.

Program Name: Community Children’s Day Week

During this week, FTBK organised Children’s Day programs across all our target communities with the participation of 355 children. Our team spent quality time with the children through different fun activities such as games, quizzes, and small group interactions. These activities helped create a cheerful and lively atmosphere for everyone. We also provided all the children with snacks and other items, which made them, feel special and added more happiness to the celebration. Throughout the program, staff and volunteers engaged closely with the children, encouraged them to express themselves, and shared positive messages about staying focused and confident in their lives.

The Children’s Day celebration brought smiles and excitement to all the children involved. The activities helped them feel included, supported, and connected with their peers and the FTBK team. The program strengthened their confidence, encouraged teamwork, and gave them a joyful break from their daily routines.

Program Name: Children’s Day Gift Distribution Program

On 15 November 2025, FTBK celebrated Children’s Day with 12 children with disabilities and their families in our target community. As part of the program, grocery items were distributed to all 12 families to support them in their daily needs. Our team also spent quality time with the children through simple fun activities designed to bring smiles to their faces and make them feel happy. The staff interacted closely with the children, encouraged them, and made sure they enjoyed the moments in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

The program brought joy and comfort to the children and their families. The grocery support helped ease some of their household needs, while the time spent together created a positive emotional impact. The children were happy and engaged during the activities, and their families appreciated the care shown by the FTBK team.

FTBK organized a distribution program to support slum dwellers in Kolkata by providing clothes, shoes, and travel bags. The initiative aimed to bring comfort and dignity to families living in difficult conditions. Beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude, as the items helped meet their essential needs and brought smiles to many faces. This small gesture of care and compassion reflected FTBK’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of underprivileged communities and ensuring their basic well-being.

FTBK continues to implement its Education and Nutrition Program across six slum areas of Kolkata, supporting 119 children—52 boys and 67 girls. The education sessions focus on improving reading, writing, and basic math skills while encouraging creativity and confidence through engaging classroom activities. Alongside education, FTBK provides nutritious meals to all children attending the classes. In the month of October alone, a total of 1,134 meals have been served, ensuring the children stay healthy, active, and attentive in their studies. This combined effort of education and nutrition is helping children build a strong foundation for a better future, while parents have expressed deep gratitude for FTBK’s ongoing care and support.

FTBK continues to empower youth through its vocational training program. Beneficiaries were both enrolled in the cosmetology course, received trimming machines to enhance their practical learning. Both of them mastered most of their training, can now independently practice professional haircutting skills. This support has boosted their confidence, improved their technical abilities, and prepared them for stable employment in modern salons. Both expressed heartfelt gratitude to FTBK for helping them move closer to self-reliance and a brighter future through skill-based education and continuous guidance.