A Catholic school in  Dinajpur diocese, northwestern Bangladesh, has chalked up 20 years of providing free education for poor children regardless of their faith.

Established in 1986, the Mother Mary Primary School at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in the Kellabari area is operated by the Sisters of Charity, who this year introduced sixth grade classes as a step toward upgrading the school to secondary level.

“We have 449 students at the school including 74 Christians, 219 Hindus and 156 Muslims,” said Sister Nirmola Gomes.

“Except for a few wealthy Muslim students, they all receive their education for free,” she added.

Primary education up to fifth grade is compulsory in Bangladesh and is free in government-run primary schools but not in most non-government schools.

The Mother Mary Primary School also offers free residential facilities for students who live far away. The diocese covers these expenses with the help of the local parish.

“The people of this area are very poor and we try to provide them all kinds of support. We even build houses for them,” said Father Proshanto Costa, the assistant parish priest.

Students with learning difficulties also receive free additional private coaching.

“It is impossible for me to learn at home because my parents are illiterate,” said Purnima Sarker, 14, a Hindu girl. “But now I can easily understand my lessons with my private tutor,” she added.

Other students and parents echoed her thoughts.

“Without support from the sisters, education would be impossible for me, let alone private tuition,” said 13-year-old Marcus Ghorami.

“I’ve seen much development in my son since he started attending free private coaching classes,” said Subol Roy, a poor Hindu farmer.

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