Hope Within The Mango Trees

Our series of revealing, inspiring interviews with Future Hope alumni continues with a success story to rival most; that told by Sujoy Roy. If you've attended a Future Hope supporter event, chances are you've either met or heard from Sujoy. As one of the most active members of our alumni, Sujoy is passionate about giving back, supporting the work of the school and helping develop new ideas. An adm...

In part three of our second series, we meet Sutrishna Mayra, a remarkable young woman with big hopes, bigger dreams and surely the brightest of futures! Future Hope founder Tim Grandage introduces the episode by recalling how, when the organisation began more than thirty years ago, only boys were admitted as they were the ones on the streets. But a visit to modern-day Future Hope reveals an equali...

As our series of extended interviews with Future Hope alumni continues, we leave Kolkata for another great city of the world... Paris, France! It's here, in the 5th Arrondissement, we meet Tapash Chakraborty, a rugby loving food fanatic whose love for hospitality has led him to this beautiful corner of the French capital. Perhaps, while wandering down Rue Mouffetard, the most picturesque of street...

Hopefully you've heard the first series of "Hope Within The Mango Trees"; our eight-part documentary which told the full, extraordinary story of Future Hope, the school for street and slum children in Kolkata, India. We're so glad so many of you enjoyed it and discovered the joys of Future Hope! Founded more than 35 years ago,after a sequence of unlikely events involving an English bank manager, a...

After the publication of "Hope Within the Mango Trees" in April 2024, many of you have become part of the Future Hope family; certainly a little more familiar with our remarkable story and ongoing work. On a daily basis, hundreds of street and slum children continue to be supported, housed and educated, thanks to your support. We were blown away by the reaction to the initial documentary series, m...

It's 1987. Tim Grandage, a young up-and-comer of a banker, assigned to a branch in central Kolkata, befriends street kids who hang around outside his branch.  They look after his car, fearing any damage would send blame their way, but never ask for a single rupee. One day, medical attention is required, Tim steps in... and the story begins.  Future Hope was a dream, born on the floor of...

As we reveal more of the aspirations and achievements of Future Hope students, we take to the streets of Kolkata to gain a deeper understanding of their incredible journeys. From the stations, to the slums, to the incredible night market; we dive deep into the heart of one of the great cities of the world.   It’s easy to forget where these young people have come from. Often, lives begin...

With energy to burn and rules non-existent, street children in Kolkata are wild and free. “They’re used to getting bumped” says Tim, “but on the rugby ground, they can bump somebody else!”  "Tim made Rugby accessible to all," says Sujata Sen, Future Hope CEO. Four students of the school have gone onto represent the India national team! This is inspiring stuff... Rugby was the first sport...

“It’s fantabulous!” exclaims Dr Sarkur in the medical room at Future Hope, a tiny space off the main assembly hall. He’s talking about the dedication of Erica Grandage, a trained nurse and first Future Hope volunteer, whose work has completely transformed the medical provision at school over three decades.  Erica's story, as we're discovering, is remarkable in itself. This episode begins with...

For the first time, we’ve escaped the frenetic city centre of Kolkata and, in this episode, find ourselves immersed in the beautiful West Bengal countryside.  Accompanied by a tranquill soundscape, we move closer to life in Rajarhat; about an hour away from Rowland Road. For Future Hope, this is indeed the future! More in a moment... Before that, we pick up the story of the family from Sealda...

Evicted twice and threatened with closure in the late 1990s, Future Hope needed some good fortune. When all seemed lost, a chance meeting on a street corner in central Kolkata would shape the future... an emotional reunion awaits. And so we arrive at Rowland Road, the school’s current home. In the heavy pollution of the city centre, walking through the gates comes as “a whiff of fresh ai...

Future Hope is an expanding school with a growing reputation for excellence. That comes as no surprise when you hear Head Girl, Isha. Her powerful testimony illustrates perfectly how vital Future Hope’s work continues to be. After she speaks passionately on the role of women in India today, it’s symbolic that the return visit to Sealdah Station reveals a surprise twist.  H...

For part one of the series, immersed in the sounds of Kolkata, say hello to Nikhat Khatun, your guide on this remarkable journey! Providing first-hand evidence of the transformational work of Future Hope, Nikhat has moved from life on the streets, through ten years at the school, to graduation, to full-time employment, to her debut as an international broadcaster! What a story! Children arrive at...

Coming soon; the remarkable story of Future Hope, a unique school for street and slum children in Kolkata, India! This immersive documentary series will be released in April 2024 over eight remarkable episodes, with further content to follow. Future Hope is about transforming lives. Kids arrive with a history of unimaginable hardship; most severely malnourished, many seriously abused. This series...