Sneha Sangama School is situated in Bijapur District which is considered backward in education. The school is located in Bijapur City which caters to the educational need of the slum dwellers. It is very close to Gol Gumbaz which is a world heritage building known for its ‘whispering gallery’. There are more than 90 slums in Bijapur. Most of the people are migrants from rural areas in search of work.
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters landed in Bijapur at the invitation of the
Jesuits who had made the beginning of their presence in this place. They had been
requested to start a school keeping in mind the need for a quality educational centre which can cater to the neediest children of the slums and children at risk at Bijapur District. This SOS call was well responded by the sisters who started a pre Primary and Class I in the year 2002. Sr. Helen Dantis, the Pre Novice Directress who was well acquainted with the people of the place since her arrival in 1998 became the mentor of the newly born Institution. Sr. Winnifred Lobo, Sr. Sunitha Catherine Vas and Sr. Milagrin Horta proved to be a great support to her in fulfilling the objectives of the school.
In 2004 Sr. Lucy D’Souza took charge of the school as full pledged Headmistress. She worked for the permission for Higher Primary with medium of Instruction in English in 2007 and for high school in 2009. The Congregation as well as ‘Inde Espoir’, France took care of the expenses of the school. The three storied school building is a gift by ‘Inde Espoir’ and the university students studying in France with Fr. Patrick Langue their Director. Fr. Claude D’Souza SJ was instrumental in getting this school building constructed for the students. A boarding Christened “Padre Pio Children’s Home’ financially supported by Cento Padre Pio, Florence is attached to this school in which over 50 girls between the age of 6 to 16 are accommodated with free boarding facilities from 2002.
The school has witnessed visible growth in its entire dimension. The second batch of S.S.L.C. students brought laurels to the school with 100% pass result in the S.S.L.C. Board examination. The school is financially not self sufficient and hence the sisters have to continually look for external help. A multipurpose hall on the third floor with light roofing is what the school needs now.
The school has become a boon to the weaker sections of the society in this area. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters feel grateful to the Lord for the opportunity he has given to serve the underprivileged.