The ‘Time for Children Project’ (TfCP) is a small un-incorporated Association providing volunteers for educational purposes in India. Even though a large group of the Indian community represent a skilled and semi-skilled workforce in areas such as Engineering, Mechanical and Technological industries, the new economic shift to a Service Industry increasingly demands a workforce which is proficient in the English Language. Children and young people from poor backgrounds however, who don’t speak English at home experience limited learning opportunities in secondary school and university where most lessons are taught in English. As a result, socio-economically disadvantaged citizens are either unable to take part in secure employment or meet an early ‘glass ceiling’. As with all societies, Education is key to addressing skills for economic growth and social harmony.

The Indian Government has pledged a commitment in addressing these issues but it is clear that major reforms in social and educational justice will take many years. What is of importance here is that some regional governments as well as isolated schools have started a discourse around changing the Primary and lower secondary assessment methods which brings the issue of English proficiency to the forefront. The change from exam-based assessment to continuous assessment up to year 11 means that children will need to learn new skills such as essay writing, reflective thinking and critical analysis. This project is responding by making an important contribution to the necessary changes and strategies that need to occur for disadvantaged children in India.