Seva Kendra Calcutta, registered as a non-profit organization under the Society Registration Act of 1903 on December 14, 1973, has proudly served as the official emergency relief and developmental arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta for nearly five decades. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2023, we reflect on our unwavering commitment to bringing hope and healing to millions of underprivileged and marginalized individuals across eight civil districts and 21 slums in Wards 11, 55, 56, 57, 58, and 66 under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
At SKC, our mission is rooted in social and economic empowerment, and we work collaboratively with individuals, government agencies, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to create a transformative impact. Through a participatory approach, we address diverse development themes, including sustainable food production and campaigns against hunger and disease.
In addition to our numerous initiatives, we offer accommodation that supports our cause. While we charge for our rooms, this is not for profit; rather, it helps fund and sustain our vital social and developmental projects. By choosing to stay with us, you are not just finding a place to rest—you are directly contributing to our mission of fostering social change and uplifting communities. Together, let us continue to create a brighter future for those in need.
The ‘Natural Resource Management Project’ aims to Empower 200 indiginious women technicians as ‘Women Entrepreneurs in the field of Solar Energy’ in the districts of West Midnapur and Jhargram and simultaneously replicate this green technology to the most deprived women and energy poverty villages of Bankura district.
Common Good Program - II
The Common Good Project is a community development and services program with a two-fold purpose. The first is to directly work with and among underprivileged and poor sections in urban and rural communities to address social, economic, and environmental issues and concerns through community awareness & organization.
Swadhina - III
This project is located in a cyclone-prone area bordering Bangladesh and is vulnerable to human trafficking that adversely affects communities in both countries. The project Swadhina-III has a two-fold purpose.
SAMBANDH
Project ‘SAMBANDH’ is an initiative aimed at improving the physical and mental well-being of truck drivers while enhancing their work environment and community support. The project provides preventive health checkups, wellness programs, and counseling, alongside initiatives to improve workplaces, such as water filters and safety measures. It also offers skill development for women and youth, educational support for children, and safety awareness programs for drivers. Environmental sustainability is emphasized through tree planting and solar street lights. Additionally, legal support, first-aid training, and educational materials ensure that drivers are better informed and supported in various aspects of their lives.
Improved Cooking Stove
The Improved Cooking Stove (ICS) Project, launched in January 2023, operates in 20 villages in Sarenga block, Bankura district, benefiting 1,993 households. It trains tribal men and women to install fuel-efficient stoves with chimneys, reducing health hazards, deforestation, and firewood dependency. The project has installed 702 ICS units, saving 105,300 kg of firewood monthly and cutting carbon emissions. It also includes 250 tree plantations, 314 nutrition gardens, and employs 47 women in stove installation.
St. Joseph's Hospital & Nursing School
St. Joseph's Hospital & Nursing School, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Josim Hermil D’Souza, has seen significant growth, expanding from an initial 30 to 57 nursing students. The addition of new hostel and classroom facilities has provided students with adequate space for both academic and living needs.
Prevention of Substance Abuse and Tuberculosis
The Prevention of Substance Abuse and Tuberculosis Project, implemented in Ward Nos. 58 and 66 of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, aims to raise awareness about substance abuse and improve TB care.
Daily Bread For The Homeless People
Seva Kendra Calcutta, originally established for disaster relief, has grown into a crucial support system for marginalized individuals.
Initially focused on providing aid during emergencies, it now addresses poverty and hunger. By ensuring food security,
the organization not only alleviates immediate hunger but also enhances the dignity and well-being of those in need.
Prevention of Substance Abuse and Tuberculosis
The Prevention of Substance Abuse and Tuberculosis among Street Children, Youth, and Adolescent Girls in Sealdah Railway Station project, aims to raise awareness about substance abuse and TB, promote healthier lifestyles, and improve access to medical care. Key objectives include educating children and families, providing informal education, forming learning groups, and linking individuals to treatment centers. Activities include counseling, recreational sessions, nutritious food distribution, and drug prevention awareness.
Campaign Against Hunger & Disease
The Campaign Against Hunger & Disease is a global initiative by Caritas India, supported by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI),
to combat hunger and disease. Seva Kendra Calcutta represents the Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta in this nationwide effort, mobilizing
resources and raising awareness. Launched on 18th February 2024, the campaign encourages people to make small sacrifices during Lent
to support the needy, with announcements made in 21 parishes across 4 deaneries.
Uttoran III Project
The Uttoran III project focuses on community empowerment, livelihood improvement, and socio-economic and environmental advancements.
It strengthens community institutions, organizes training, and facilitates discussions to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices.
Key activities include establishing gardens, planting trees, training on natural farming, promoting eco-friendly practices like LED bulbs and improved cooking stoves,
and linking communities to financial institutions. Notable achievements include empowering 80 community institutions, engaging 20 women’s groups in environmental conservation,
and reducing carbon footprints through widespread adoption of LED bulbs.
Child Labour Free GP Initiatives
The Child Labour Free GP Initiatives in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, aimed to achieve universal elementary education (SDG 4) by eradicating child labour and ensuring 100% enrolment and retention in government schools. The project focused on identifying and rehabilitating child labourers, conducting household surveys, and strengthening networks with government bodies and local organizations to prevent child labour, child marriage, and trafficking.
Asha Ki Kiran
The Asha Ki Kiran project provided educational support for deprived students and trained farmers in ecological farming.
It assisted differently-abled children with government aid, established 77 nutrition gardens, planted 500 saplings, and conducted health camps.
The project operated study centers, mainstreamed dropouts, and promoted extracurricular activities.
Educational Project in Solo Bigha
The Educational Project in Solo Bigha by Seva Kendra Calcutta transformed education accessibility for children in Ward 11 of Maheshtala Municipal Corporation. Through free remedial classes and tuition, the initiative improved learning outcomes, conducted community visits, and organized health workshops. Key achievements include reintegrating three school dropouts, enabling two students to join the NCC, and supporting 15 students in passing state-level board exams, ensuring a brighter future for approximately 1,000 children.
SHIKSHA - Education for the Marginalized Children of Dum Dum
The project in Dum Dum Cantonment aimed to mainstream dropout children, raise awareness on health and hygiene, and promote education through tuition classes and activities. Launched in April 2022, it held daily classes for 20-25 children, taught by two teachers focusing on core subjects.
Educational Project in Bankisole
The educational project in Bankisole supports underprivileged students and farmers through education, ecological farming, and community awareness.
Operating in Jhargram and Bankura districts, it covers five villages and reaches 1,267 individuals.
Five study centers provide free coaching for 118 students in classes I to VII. Guardian meetings address student progress, health, climate change, and solar energy.
Education Project in the Urban Slums of Kolkata
The Education Project in the Urban Slums of Kolkata directly benefits 110 children and indirectly impacts approximately 3,000 individuals. Overall achievements include identifying and reintegrating eight dropout children, ensuring access to education and opportunity. Activities and events include group tuition for remedial classes to support academic improvement, health camps for regular check-ups, Sishu Mela to promote creativity and cultural expression.
Kishalaya Home for Boys
Kishalaya Home for Boys focuses on psychosocial rejuvenation, behavioral reform, and mainstreaming juvenile inmates into society as law-abiding, productive individuals. Activities include subsistence and organic farming, fish breeding, sports, discipline-building exercises, and educational motivation. The home has achieved a total annual harvest of 1,256 kg of vegetables and 556 seasonal flowers of 17 varieties.
Sukanya Home for Girls
Sukanya Home for Girls, established in 1980 in West Bengal, provides shelter, education, and rehabilitation for female residents. The home focuses on their holistic development, implementing programs and counseling initiatives to empower the girls and aid their reintegration into society. The project aims to improve mental health by reducing stress, boosting mood, and enhancing self-esteem through social interaction and emotional outlets.
Sustainable Development
The Sustainable Development initiative focuses on fostering environmental responsibility, promoting organic farming, and introducing renewable energy solutions.
It aims to create self-sustaining communities by integrating eco-friendly technologies and empowering local populations through skill-based training and awareness programs.
Ministry of Domestic Workers
Since 2014, this initiative has empowered domestic workers from tribal and Christian communities in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, and West Bengal.
Nazareth Training Centre
Established in 2021, this centre supports farmers with training and livelihood programs, empowering local communities.
ASHA Farm
A centre for education, health, and agricultural training, supporting local communities through essential programs.
In-House Urban Agriculture
Seva Kendra Calcutta has been promoting urban agriculture since 1973, transforming city spaces into green, self-sufficient hubs for local food production and sustainability.
