Chandra Chetry knows the challenges of growing up on the margin and the power of education to break cycles of generational poverty.  As an ethnic minority growing up in Assam, India he worked hard to overcome the odds and had a promising future.  His heart, however, was for the marginalised.  By the age of 29, Chandra had adopted 10 children who were in need of a home.  That was before he was married.  Soon after, he married Kalpana.  Together, they decided to forgo the opportunity to pursue a comfortable life, and instead, to live among and serve Assam’s poorest.

In 2013, together with their large family, they moved to a remote area of Assam settled primarily by subsistence farmers and manual labourers.  There, on a plot of land purchased with their life savings, they built both their home and the Happy Child English School.  This school offers the rare opportunity of quality education to children whose families cannot otherwise afford it. School fees are largely subsidised to meet the living standards of families eke out a living on just a few dollars a day.  To make this possible, the teachers at Happy Child English School share the Chetry’s missional commitment and receive nominal wages for their service.  The school is also largely supported by donor contributions. Today, Happy Child English School serves over one hundred students from Kindergarten through Primary.  The Chetry family has also grown – they now have 14 adopted children and 2 biological children.

Financial Breakdown

Ray of Hope would like to raise US$6,100 (S$8,235) for the Chetry family and The Happy Child English School for the following needs:

US$1,300 to bring electricity to the Chetry boys and girls dormitories (presently there is no wiring or fixtures)

US$4,800 for the Teachers’  Salaries for one year ($80/month x 5 Teachers = $400/month)