Mirella Fiorillo Education Fund

“A child without education is like a bird without wings”

(Tibetan proverb)

The Education Fund ‘Mirella Fiorillo’ was established in memory of Mirella Fiorillo, a vibrant, elegant 76-year-old Italian woman whose life was defined by intelligence, curiosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Although she had explored much of the world, Mirella dreamed of visiting India. In February 2020, she finally set off on that long-awaited journey, unaware that the emerging global pandemic would prevent her from returning home. She passed away on April 9, 2020 in Kolkata, during the most devastating phase of the Covid-19 crisis, and her remains were repatriated two months later.

Honoring Mirella’s generous spirit and her love for learning, this Fund promotes the transformative power of education in some villages of West Bengal, in India, where the Claretian missionaries of the Independent Delegation of Kolkata have been doing social work for tribal people since 1986.

If you want to support the Mirella Fiorillo Education Fund, contact us!

Thanks to the Education Fund, so far 9 children aged 8-14 had the opportunity to learn, develop skills, play, and grow into healthier adults with better prospects in life.

In the West Bengal state of India, many areas consist of tribal populations. The villages basically come under agrarian society. Many youths are drop outs and join with their parents in cultivation and taking care of the cattle. Due to financial difficulties and lack of awareness about education, they are not able to go for higher studies. Besides, the young girls and boys are given in marriage at their very early age, which drastically affect their future life and their marginalized condition.