Swiss-born humanitarian Sandra Lavie Gojkovic found her purpose over 15 years ago on Sagar Island, a remote, cyclone-prone part of West Bengal's Sunderbans. Her journey began with a desire to make a lasting impact, leading her to volunteer with local NGOs and understand community needs before committing funds.
Gojkovic's search for a place where her work could truly resonate led her to Sagar Island, an area so difficult to reach that other NGOs often avoided it. Access depended entirely on tides and boats, making journeys unpredictable. Here, she realized the immense need, particularly for education.
Building a School Against the Odds
Despite existing government primary schools, Gojkovic observed that teacher absenteeism left children without consistent learning opportunities. This led her to found a primary school, a project she initially kept private due to discouragement from friends and family who doubted its success. She was deeply involved in every aspect, from selecting building colors to purchasing uniforms.
A significant challenge arose when some parents were reluctant to send their children, relying on them for field work. Local teachers played a crucial role, going house-to-house to explain the importance of education. Over time, enrollment grew, and the school has since reported a remarkable increase in board exam pass rates from 50% to 100%.
Expansion Beyond Education
Gojkovic’s commitment was tested early when she contracted malaria and had to leave India for treatment. However, she returned immediately after recovery, unwavering in her dedication. Over the years, her work expanded significantly beyond just education.
- Child Protection: The Women and Children Protection Movement emerged from community issues, offering school workshops, youth protection groups, and awareness campaigns. It collaborates with local authorities on issues like human trafficking, child marriage, and domestic violence, training 112 youth leaders and reaching approximately 20,000 individuals across 30 villages.
- Women's Empowerment: A program focusing on vocational sewing training, entrepreneurship skills, and rights awareness was introduced. This initiative aims to help women develop independent incomes, fostering financial and personal confidence.
A Philosophy of Local Leadership and Respect
Gojkovic emphasizes that her programs are designed to reduce dependency on outside intervention. She views herself as a guest in India, prioritizing listening, observing, and understanding local ways rather than imposing Western ideas. A core principle is empowering her local team, who manage day-to-day operations and understand their community far better than she ever could. While she oversees budgets and major decisions for accountability, the leadership remains with the local team.
Living and working in rural Bengal has profoundly impacted Gojkovic. She notes that Switzerland instilled in her structure and discipline, while India taught her patience, resilience, and acceptance. Adjusting to India's slower pace was crucial, as she realized that meaningful change, trust, and relationships cannot be rushed.
Challenges and Redefined Success
Like any organization, the project has faced internal challenges, including instances of staff dishonesty, which led to strengthened systems. Gojkovic also regularly witnesses the devastating effects of cyclones on Sagar Island, which, while damaging school buildings, are far less impactful than seeing families lose everything overnight. These experiences have reshaped her perspective on life's fragility.
Her definition of success has also evolved. Initially associating success with career and financial security, she now values meaningful relationships and being useful to others above all. She rejects being labeled a missionary, stating her purpose is to serve with love and expressing deep respect for Santana Dharma. For Gojkovic, the true measure of success is seeing children develop their own ambitions and for education to become an ordinary part of their lives, not something linked to an outsider.
After 15 years, Sandra Lavie Gojkovic continues her work on Sagar Island, steadfast in her approach of community listening, strengthening local leadership, and building sustainable programs that do not solely depend on her. The school itself reflects this philosophy, intentionally not bearing her name, to keep the focus squarely on the children and the community it serves.