In June 2000 Karnataka Province of the Society of Jesus opened a School for the slum children of Bijapur. The then Provincial Superior, Father Ronie Prabhu S.J. invited the Apostolic Carmel to collaborate with the Jesuits for the uplift of the slum children.
After the necessary sanction from the Superior General, the two Provincial Superiors concerned drew up an agreement which would be effective for a period of three years till May 2004.
On October 29, 2001 Sisters Therese D’Souza and Supreetha accompanied by Sister Maria Jyothi, the Provincial Councillor reached Bijapur. On October 31, 2001, Father Claude D’Souza S.J. blessed their residence. Sister Christine Noronha, sister-in-charge arrived on November 1, 2001 along with a teacher and a domestic helper. The sisters began their mission in the school from November 3 onwards.
Father Paulous was a strong support and guide to the sisters. Bishop Bernard Moras, the then Bishop of Belgaum issued a letter dated December 8, 2001 for the canonical erection of the Convent. The formal inauguration was held on November 17, 2001 with the Holy Eucharist offered by the Bishop and Father Francis Noronha, the Parish Priest. The convent was named Shanthi Sadan and dedicated to the Sacred Heart.
The immediate task was to bring all the school records up-to-date and maintain a standard in the classrooms. In March 2002, Sisters Sanisha and Preethi Crasta taught in the Child Labour School at the centre and helped the teachers to prepare charts, and in the afternoons the sisters visited houses; they also conducted tailoring classes.
Within three years, the strength of the School has risen to 300 from Balawadi to Std. V. A remarkable change could be noticed in the children and in the parents as well as in the slums, in general and in their way of thinking, behaving and organizing their lives.
The Apostolic Carmel had taken up, on contract for three years, the mission of educating the slum children in Bijapur. The little convent was closed down on 17 April 2005.
