Journey
The First Step:
Inclusive Education
IPER’s journey began with the establishment of a school in Park Circus, Kolkata, with a pioneering focus on the education of specially-abled children, particularly children with intellectual disabilities. Alongside academic support, early initiatives included vocational training, aiming to build independence and dignity.
Growth, Disruption,
and Resilience
As IPER expanded, land was purchased at its current location to create a permanent institutional base. However, due to political disruptions, operations at this site were temporarily shut down. This phase tested IPER’s resilience—but also reshaped its direction.
Advocacy for Child
Labour and
Street-Connected
Children
Responding to urgent social realities, IPER shifted focus towards child labour advocacy. Classes were organised for working children across Kolkata, conducted on weekends in the classrooms of multiple schools. Education reached children where they were—on streets, in parks, under trees, and at street corners—making learning accessible, flexible, and child-centred.
IPER Today:
A Holistic
Development
Organisation
Re-established with renewed strength, IPER today works across education, community development, and child rights, while reinforcing national child protection frameworks such as the Mission Vatsalya Scheme. Over the decades, IPER has partnered with national and international organisations including UNICEF, ILO-IPEC, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), REACH India, USAID, Peace Foundation of Japan, and several philanthropic trusts. Government bodies such as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Kolkata Improvement Trust, KEIP, and the
Planning Commission have also supported IPER’s journey.
Community
Outreach
and Global
Collaboration
During the COVID-19 pandemic, IPER played a critical role in community relief by distributing rations and essential supplies with support from multiple donors. In collaboration with Smile Foundation, IPER strengthened access to quality learning for
underprivileged children in its operational areas. IPER has also hosted interns from Finland, bringing in global perspectives and helping establish an international sponsorship programme.
Our Journey So Far
For more than five decades, IPER has worked with children facing psychological, social, and
environmental challenges. Our reach includes:
Children in child labour
Street-connected and homeless children
Children with intellectual and learning disabilities
Children without family support
Our work has evolved from remedial education and open schooling to holistic family-based
interventions—focusing on women’s empowerment, legal awareness, literacy, and
livelihood development.
Moving Forward
Rooted in compassion, guided by research, and strengthened through partnerships, IPER
continues its commitment to building inclusive, just, and resilient communities—where
every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Journey Glimpses
