With the help of Shining Hope and other donors, Shanti India has been constructing their own school building – the main challenge since the foundation of the school. As of June 2022, Shining Hope has contributed to the purchase of the windows and grids, and we are excited to provide the children of Shanti India with the better conditions to study and flourish. The building will have 14 classrooms, computer lab, library, teachers room, big hall for school activities, and well-functioning toilets.

Shanti India school is fully accredited by Indian educational authorities. The teachers are trained in the SEE Learning programme created by the Emory University with the collaboration of the Dalai Lama, which provides educators with the tools they need to foster the development of emotional, social, and ethical intelligence for students and themselves. The core courses follow the official Indian curriculum, but also teach students how to become comprehensively educated, compassionate and ethical human beings. Emphasis is stressed on the importance of developing human qualities in the respect of oneself, others and the environment.

Shanti India school supports 700 of the most disadvantaged children and adolescents from the Bodhgaya area and provides free of charge full-time education for students from kindergarten to grade ten. Students from class 11 to 15 are supported to continue their studies in college or specialised institutions after graduating.

Shanti India school has one teacher for every 30 students who benefit from a personalised follow-up. Each year a meeting is held for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 to advise them on their future educational plans. And against the tradition that a child of low caste does not escape her/his fate, children are encouraged to believe in a better future and their ability to build it.