Vivekananda Shiksha Mandir

Vivekananda Shiksha Mandir is a community school in Paratal Village in West Bengal, India serving children from preschool to grade (class) 4.

Set along the Adi Damodar canal surrounded by green rice fields and potato farms full of yellow mustard, the Vivekananda Shikhsa Mandir is a private community school independently run by Paratal villagers. Village volunteer members donate funds and items in kind for many special projects. In addition to donations, a minimum fee is paid by parents to support school activities. Village children from nursery (preschool) to class four are served by this school.

Under tall palm trees, students form lines for morning prayers and announcements. The school grounds are open, picturesque and inviting for studies. Currently, classroom are in earthen mud huts with thatch sides. However, funding is currently being sought to build a modern school building.

180 children are enrolled. The school has strong sports and extracurricular programs. In 2009, a computer center was established. Students from class 1 to 4 are learning basic computer skills on a daily basis. Students completing class four and graduating have been getting scholarships and admission to renowned schools in nearby towns.