Charity
Kalanga Bazar Educational Trust (K​BET)
KBET was founded in Calcutta in 1995. Our goal is to break the self-perpetuating cycle of poverty in urban slums by empowering women, children and their families through education, health and economic independence. KBET targets urban communities living in the slums of Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, India. These slums are comprised of poor community members from various religions and castes including minority, backward classes and some scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
Mission
To help build self-sustaining and self-reliant communities.
KBET's programs include:
Hajee Mahboob Kassim (HMK) Public School
An English medium primary school was established in 2005 in Ranchi to provide quality education to the children of the slums. Classes are run from Kindergarten through Std. V. Approximately 90 children are enrolled in the school. The objective is to prepare the children to move into secondary and higher education so that they can graduate, find a good paying job and become economically independent. This will eventually help break the cycle of poverty.
Micro-lending programs for urban slum dwelling adults who
Considered our signature program, KBET has helped hundreds of women and men to start small businesses by providing them with financial loans and educating them to learn skills such as reading, writing and accounting. KBET works with local banks to get loans to help slum dwelling adults achieve financial stability. We realize women need a greater supportive environment as they embark on a financial empowerment journey. Towards this end, KBET runs small self-help groups so they can learn and teach each other in a supportive environment.
Monthly Food Distribution
Currently 50 older adults are getting monthly rations that include rice, vegetable oil, lentils, wheat flour and other items. The objective of the program is to prevent starvation among the needy people living in the slums. However, the need is greater than what we can provide, and our goal is to try to expand the program to serve many more individuals.
Blanket Distribution
Every year on International Blanket Day (December 9th), and throughout the winter, KBET distributes blankets to families in the slums. Ranchi is bitterly cold during winter with no heating facilities. Many people sleep on the floor. Blankets keep them warm during the harsh winters.
