Started in 1992 by Fr. Edward McGuire, this unique school uses music as the primary means of education for poor village children. The school has an orchestra of violins and cellos. Music instruction is integrated with an equally demanding academic curriculum.

By the time of Fr McGuire's death in 2005, there were about 160 boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17 studying in Gandhi Ashram. Today, the make-up of the school continues to change, with the majority of the students walking many kilometres daily to get to school and only a few who live too far live as boarders in the school.

Unlike India's public schools, Gandhi Ashram is completely free to students. The students are also not mandated to wear school uniforms. This eases the burden on their parents who often cannot afford such unnecessary costs. Through fundraising, it is able to employ highly qualified teachers and provide each student with the use of a violin, school supplies and meals while at school.

Gandhi Ashram’s doors are open to all children of the very poor regardless of if they have musical ability or not. The staff of Gandhi Ashram School visits each family before the admission to assess their needs and ensure that both the family and student receive all the supports available to them. More than a music school, Gandhi Ashram has a reputation for academic excellence and has graduated a number of students who have gone on to further studies in music and other areas in India and abroad.

The current director Fr. Paul D’Souza and his staff continue in the footsteps of Fr. McGuire to grow Gandhi Ashram School and maintain the high standards of academic and musical training that these wonderful students merit.

For more information visit the school's website at www.gandhi-ashram-school.org, to learn more about recent successes and needs at the school, contact us at Canadian Jesuits International and to give online, visit our donations section.