ALETHEIA BANJARA SCHOOL (ABS)
Aletheia Banjara School History
US-based Global Banjara Baptist Ministries International believes education is necessary to reverse the ongoing issues in the Banjara villages, families, and homes to help break the trend of poverty and despair. With a clear vision from God and unflinching faith in Him, ABS was established July 2009. ABS has an eventful, exhilarating and encouraging history fueled by the relentless prayers and support of our well-wishers, partners, and sponsors. The Lord’s blessings have been with ABS as we have sought His guidance, protection, and wisdom. ABS students live in two different worlds. At home, they encounter idol worship, alcoholism, and often a lack of hope. At school, they are encouraged and engaged in academic activities while learning life lessons from the Bible. They understand that the ABS teachers care for their overall development. ABS brings a positive change in the lives of the students and their families.
ABS School Information
Education For Girls
Banjara girls are underappreciated and neglected. Often, they are not sent to school and are married at a young age. ABS prioritizes educating girls (Banjara female literacy is 3%). ABS female students are given preferential admission status when sponsorship funds are available. Girls who attend school are viewed as having a “higher worth” since their potential to earn family money increases with education. Beyond School Hours:
ABS parents rarely provide their children with homework assistance because most Banjara parents are illiterate. ABS teachers regularly spend time with students after school hours to assist with homework.
Emphasis On English
ABS understands that students need excellent English language skills so they can attend college and have career options after graduation, so developing and using English in all classes is a priority.
Educational Tours
ABS conducts educational tours for the benefit of the students. Students were taken to Bengaluru, Mysore, and Hyderabad for visits to museums, zoological gardens, and other educational venues.
Student Health and Meals
ABS provides medical camps for students and their parents, which are sponsored by US partners.
ABS provides a nutritious AM drink and a healthy lunch 6 days per week; for many, this is the only food received for the day due to the lack of food at home. ABS provides purified, safe drinking water; water in this region is highly contaminated.
Spiritual Strengthening-Character Building Classes
Character building Bible-based classes are provided. Students are encouraged to memorize Bible verses. Non-believing Hindu students often ask teachers to pray for sick relatives. ABS has many testimonies that show our Lord’s love for His children.
ABS Christmas Programs
Parents and many Hindu families attend the ABS Christmas program. ABS students sing Christian songs in Telugu, Banjara, and English. Students perform skits depicting Christ's birth, the prodigal son, and other stories designed for sharing the Gospel.
Bal Brigade
ABS participates in The Boys’ Brigade, an international Christian organization with the goal of advancing Christ’s Kingdom among boys and girls while promoting obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect, and true Christian characteristics.
ABS Vision Statement
To develop passionate leaders who are adequately equipped academically, socially, physically, and spiritually to influence the world for Christ.
ABS Overview
Aletheia Banjara School offers a Christ-centered education in a nurturing atmosphere, which enables students to develop their talents to the fullest potential for service in all areas of God's Kingdom. We know that every individual student is a unique image bearer of God, and we don't let any of them fall through the cracks. Our students thrive both in the classroom and in many extracurricular activities.