The Nabadisha Project was initiated through a collaborative effort between Rotary Clubs of Calcutta and Kolkata Police, beginning with monthly health camps for marginalized communities in 1998. In 1999, Women's Interlink Foundation (WIF) was entrusted with the responsibility of providing educational support to underprivileged and neglected children living in streets, slums, and other vulnerable urban settlements, with the objective of facilitating their integration into mainstream society.

Launched as a joint initiative between WIF and Kolkata Police, Nabadisha (meaning “New Direction”) was established to promote education, personal development, and positive social engagement among children from economically disadvantaged and socially vulnerable communities. Starting with 9 centres, the programme expanded to 15 centres by 2014 in response to growing community needs.

During 2024–25, WIF continued to implement the Nabadisha Project through 11 centres in collaboration with the Community Policing Wing of Kolkata Police and with support from individual donors and well-wishers. The centres are located in Ballygunge, Alipore, Chetla, Jorabagan, Jorasanko, Burtolla, Chitpur, Tangra, Maniktala, Charu Market, and Shyampukur. The programme continues to provide educational support, life-skills development, and a nurturing environment for children from vulnerable backgrounds, helping them move towards a more secure and productive future.

WIF has developed an integrated approach to service delivery which includes:

• Pre-Primary classes.
• Mainstream education into formal schools.
• Coaching for children who are mainstreamed into formal schools and to prevent dropouts for school going children -particularly girl child.
• Regular Health checkups by registered practitioner service provided by Kolkata Police
• Supplementary Nutrition and special Nutrition.
• Health and Hygiene kit distribution.
• Regular teachers and supervisor meetings for smooth monitoring of the project.
• Monthly mother’s meetings for reviewing the children’s growth along with knowledge dissemination and discussions on various social evils.
• Students from our centre are associated with the Damini Football Project run by Kolkata Police.

During the year, the 11 Nabadisha Centres collectively provided educational and developmental support to 325 children from vulnerable and economically disadvantaged communities. The programme continued to focus on enhancing educational outcomes, promoting regular school attendance, and supporting children in achieving academic success.

A notable achievement during the year was the strong performance of students in public examinations. Out of 17 students who appeared for the Madhyamik Examination, 16 successfully passed, while all 8 students who appeared for the Higher Secondary Examination passed successfully. These achievements reflect the effectiveness of the programme’s educational support initiatives and the dedication of both the students and educators in fostering academic excellence and future opportunities for the beneficiaries.