The Children

About the children

The children at the school are aged between 3 and 15 years old and are consistently found taking care of each other as if they are family. This is recognised throughout the Sikkimese culture and it is quite amazing how caring, loving and warm these children are. Many do not live in ideal conditions and the majority can not afford to bring lunch to school each day. Further down the track it is hoped that the Sunrise Academy Team can work with the school committee in building a hostel to provide these children with regular meals, basic hygiene and a more ideal environment for their personal development.

The children's native speech is Nepalese, however due to some coming from even more rural areas than Begha, some speak another dialect such as Lepcha when they start at the school. They however begin to learn Hindi (the native language of India) and English very early in their schooling life and once they complete grade 1 the majority of them can be taught a range of subjects by english speaking teachers.

The children's interests in sports, arts etc does vary quite dramatically therefore the school implements a three tier activity day every Saturday. This provides the children with the opportunity to undertake art, sport and culture classes each Saturday. We believe it is also important to develop these skills for the children, not only class room based knowledge.

With big smiles, warm hearts and very very respectable natures you will have an amazing time with these children, both inside and outside the classroom - and they will welcome you with open arms!