US based Global Banjara Baptist Ministries International believes education is necessary to reverse the on-going 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 experience 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.
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 with 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Parents and many Hindu families attend the ABS Christmas program. ABS students sing Christian songs in Telugu, Banjara, and English. Students perform skits depicting Christs’ birth, the prodigal son, and other stories designed for sharing the Gospel.
ABS participates in The Boys’ Brigade, an international Christian organization with a goal to advance Christ’s Kingdom among boys and girls while promoting obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect, and true Christian characteristics.
To develop passionate leaders who are adequately equipped academically, socially, physically, and spiritually to influence the world for Christ.
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 extra curricular activities.