The Santali are the largest Adivasi (indigenous, tribal) community in India, comprising over 10 million people spread across several states (Baski, 2018). For centuries, their lives have been deeply tied to the land, shaped by ancestral traditions and spiritual wisdom. However, it is this same relationship that has rendered the Santali community vulnerable. Their regions are rich in natural resources, including timber and minerals, which have attracted exploitation by external actors seeking to benefit from both land and labour (Christian Aid Global, 2015).
Consequently, many families have been displaced from their ancestral lands and relocated to urban environments, often losing access to their cultural knowledge and support systems.
“Amid these challenges, education is a vital instrument for empowering the Santali community.”
Education: A Pathway to Change
Amid these challenges, education is a vital instrument for empowering the Santali community. In areas where schools are accessible, educational programs provide not only foundational literacy and numeracy skills but also instruction regarding India’s constitution, land rights and the systems of local self-governance applicable to tribal communities (Christian Aid Global, 2015). For many Santali, this knowledge is essential for safeguarding their land and preserving their way of life.
Despite the potential benefits of education, access remains highly inconsistent. Although government schools are available in some regions, they often fail to meet the specific needs of Santali children (Christian Aid Global, 2015). Teacher absenteeism and limited accountability are common challenges, and curricula developed for mainstream urban contexts often do not reflect the languages, cultural values, or histories of tribal communities. Consequently, numerous Santali children lack the foundational support required for academic achievement.
“For over 25 years, the Marist Brothers have been present in the Talit region of Burdwan district, West Bengal, walking alongside Santali families.”
Marist Commitment in West Bengal
For over 25 years, the Marist Brothers have been present in the Talit region of Burdwan district, West Bengal, walking alongside Santali families. Through initiatives such as the AMS-supported Chetana Boys’ Hostel, they have provided accommodation, care and access to education for children who would otherwise be excluded. This project has provided young boys with the stability and encouragement they need to pursue learning.
Although this represents a significant achievement, the Brothers have acknowledged that further initiatives are necessary. This has led to the proposal for a new initiative: a Marist Primary School Project.
A School for Santali Children
The proposed two-storey school will provide education for up to 300 children aged 5 to 12 years old. Importantly, the school will be affordable and culturally inclusive, recognising the unique needs of Santali children.
By building on the Marist Brothers’ long-standing presence and experience in the region, the school will offer not just academic learning but also an environment where cultural identity and community values are respected.
Chetana Boys Hostel: Case study
The experience of Suraj, a young boy from the Santali community, highlights the critical importance of this project. Born in 2013, Suraj was raised in conditions of extreme poverty by his mother, Tudu. Lacking land or other resources, Tudu faced considerable difficulty in providing even the most basic necessities, making formal schooling a non-viable option. During his early childhood, Suraj spent his time tending goats, remaining isolated mainly from the opportunities that education could have provided.
When Tudu sought assistance from the Chetana Boys Hostel, Suraj was admitted and granted the opportunity to pursue learning. At that time, however, he was significantly behind his peers. Although placed in Grade 6 according to his age, his academic skills were more in line with those expected of a first-grade student. The transition to formal schooling proved challenging, and years of isolation had left him withdrawn and hesitant to engage.
With access to proper nutrition, patient guidance, and structured academic support, Suraj gradually began to flourish. Counselling and mentorship helped him rebuild confidence, and he steadily progressed in his studies. His experience demonstrates resilience and highlights a broader reality: had he received formal education at an earlier age, his academic development would have been less hindered.
Why a Primary School Matters
A significant number of Santali children face circumstances similar to those of Suraj. In the absence of timely access to education, they often enter school at a delayed age, encounter difficulties keeping pace with their peers, and are at heightened risk of discontinuing their studies before completing secondary education. Establishing a primary school in Talit would ensure that children commence their educational journeys at an appropriate age, providing them with essential literacy, numeracy, and the confidence required to succeed academically and personally.
This initiative aims to create stability for families, equip children with the tools to advocate for themselves and break the cycle of poverty. It looks to respect the culture and traditions of the Santali while ensuring their children can thrive in modern India.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges he has faced, Suraj now aspires to become a teacher and a social worker. He hopes to support other children who, like him, once felt forgotten. His aspirations reflect the broader vision of the Marist Primary School Project: to transform lives through education whilst safeguarding his heritage.
How You Can Help
AMS invites you to join us in prayer for the Santali community and for the success of this new school project. Your support, whether through prayer, advocacy, or contribution, plays a vital role in ensuring that children like Suraj receive the education they deserve. Together, we can help create a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. To donate, please click on the link: Donate — Australian Marist Solidarity
Milika Nation
Communications & Engagement Coordinator
Australian Marist Solidarity
Footnotes:
Boro, B. (2018, June). The culture of the Santals [Lecture presentation]. Vortrag in Münster. Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo. https://www.khm.uio.no/english/collections/santal/society-and-culture/documents/baski-boro-2018-06-vortrag-in-mu-nster-the-culture-of-the-santals.pdf
Christian Aid Global. (2015, January 5). I want to change the way we are treated in our society. Medium. https://medium.com/@caglobal/i-want-to-change-the-way-we-are-treated-in-our-society-69260b0968ed