About Us
What we do
Bright Sparks is an NGO Primary School, and an educational hub in Mohali, North India. We give a free education to young children from difficult backgrounds who have not been admitted to state schools. Often, their families came to the city from rural villages in search of work.
Bright Sparks helps older learners from their community to develop literacy and numeracy skills, or pursue learning in specific subjects. Specialist training and skills workshops are held at intervals to help young adults into work. Outreach work offers education and support to parents.
Our vision
WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY CHILD, WHATEVER THEIR SEX, RELIGION OR BACKGROUND DESERVES ANÂ EDUCATION THAT NURTURES AND EMPOWERS THEM. BRIGHT SPARKS SOCIETY WORKS TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF ILLITERACY AND POVERTY IN OUR community
The Team
Headteacher
Rita Mohan has been here from the beginning. In 2002, soon after graduating, she was appointed to teach a small number of children and so a small school started. Soon there were 35 students. Rita went to visit their homes and was appalled by their living conditions. She was determined to do something about child labour. Soon she was visiting every month, asking parents to send their children to school. Rita is now widely known and respected throughout the colony where the children live, and to staff, students and supporters, she is the absolute heart of the school.
“My vision as a head teacher is to create a dynamic and inclusive environment where every student feels motivated to learn."
Teachers
Bright Sparks teachers have worked together as a team over many years. There are six class teachers including the teaching Head, and two more teachers run afternoon sessions supporting ex-students and older learners. One teacher also works as a coordinator, giving administrative support, and welcoming Friends and community partners.
Trustees
Bright Sparks School is part of a registered Society in Punjab (PIN 221057339), which has seven local trustees. The Society’s remit is to work for the betterment of students. This includes enabling the work of the school, supporting leavers, and doing outreach work. The trustees help to fundraise, and involve volunteers and supporters in the Society’s work.
Volunteers
Bright Sparks has a long tradition of including volunteers in the work of the school. Volunteers may be local or visiting, sometimes from overseas. They generously give their time and expertise, helping in areas as varied as staff development, special needs support, art projects, English teaching and computer skills.
Community Partners
Funding and other support from our community partners is invaluable to Bright Sparks. We greatly appreciate the input and contributions from longstanding partners and warmly welcome new ones.
