About Us

LIGHTING THE WAY TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE AND SELF-RELIANCE

Mrs. Shiela Davar born on 26th August 1913, was an eminent social worker and a great visionary. She was a graduate of Calcutta University and held prestigious positions in many reputed organizations in Kolkata. She was the President of ‘The All Bengal Women's Union’ and also associated with ‘Women’s Co-ordinating Council’, ‘Association of Social Hygiene in India’ and member of ‘Governing Body- Gokhale Memorial Girls’ School and College’. Mrs. Davar was part of the committee for rehabilitation and resettlement of refugees in West Bengal and Punjab formed by Ministry of Rehabilitation – Government of India. She was the recipient of Nehru Fellow award and certificates for Outstanding Humanitarian Service. Although she has left us in 1997- 29th of January, her strength and optimism are still alive at Bustee Welfare Centre.

Bustee Welfare Centre started its philanthropic journey in 1968 in response to a call by the Founder President Late Mrs. Shiela Davar. She found children loitering, playing, fighting on road or pavements and wasting time. She felt a strong determination to do something for them and with benevolent support from others; she opened a pavement Nutrition Centre, distributing milk to those children up to the age of 6 years.

Subsequently she decided to improve the quality of life of urban disadvantaged children and protect the rights of the child through education, health and social mobilization. She had a vision to provide quality education to these children and to make them self-reliant. In 1971 a co-educational school for Nursery children was opened in Max Mueller Bhavan with 60 less privileged children. Bustee Welfare Centre has since moved on and today there are two units operating at Lovelock Street and Monohar Pukur, with around 250 students studying from Nursery to Class VII and 15 pre-kindergarten children under the Mother & Child project. After class VII the students are admitted to higher secondary schools and part of their educational expenses are borne by the organization.

The primary beneficiaries of Bustee Welfare Centre’s programs are:

• Children living in the slums and squatter colonies.
• Vocational Training for women.
• Women deprived of schooling
• The youth.
• Our Mission & Vision

Vision

Every Child attains the right to education and has the opportunity to achieve his/her fullest potential and lead a life with dignity.

Mission

Bustee Welfare Centre is committed to provide free, quality education both academic and vocational to the underprivileged children and women and paved the path towards self-reliance.

Values

Ensuring every child and woman receives equal access to education and opportunities. Enabling individuals to develop their skills and capabilities to achieve self-reliance.