I have many other dreams, such as founding universities (in the fields of Academics, Agriculture, Engineering, Technology, Law, and Medicine), as well as charitable institutions for children, the elderly, widows and widowers, the abandoned, single parents, those struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, and media, and those who are physically or mentally challenged. “And I am sure that He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
Welcome to the website of St. Joseph’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School. You will be thrilled to explore the content here, if you believe what I confess now. This school is a miracle; its campus is a miracle; it has life, and it is filled with divine life. “By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:23)
Another of God’s wonders is His choice of me, His humble servant, to establish this school for the benefit of rural Dalit children. I declare that, together with my friend Fr. Periyanayagam, we founded it in June 2004, under divine inspiration.
St. Joseph’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School provides quality education to all children, regardless of caste or creed. However, the uniqueness of this school lies in the fact that Dalit children are treated with dignity and respect.
“Sing praise to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known throughout all the earth.” (Isaiah 12:5)
While I thank all those who have supported me in this divine mission, I invite you, as you view this website, to render your support for the greater glory of God.
Education is the foundation of transformation, and we have always believed in its power to change lives, especially in rural communities where opportunities are limited. Passion for learning and commitment to creating equitable access to quality education have driven me to lead St. Joseph’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Porur Village. This institution is more than just a school; it is a beacon of hope for 26 neighboring villages, providing English-medium education to many first-generation learners.
My previous roles in administration at the American International School, Chennai, and my experience in advertising provided me with valuable skills. Yet, as Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” This verse resonates deeply with my belief that my work is guided by divine providence, entrusting me with the mission to serve this community. My focus remains on uplifting the Dalits and providing them with the high-quality educational opportunities they deserve.
At St. Joseph’s, our mission is to provide a transformative education that empowers students academically, socially, and emotionally. Our vision is to make this institution a center of excellence where students are equipped with the tools to succeed in an ever-changing world. We aim to foster an environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning while addressing the unique needs of rural learners.
To achieve this, we are implementing innovative teaching methodologies, such as experiential learning and activity-based education, to make learning engaging and meaningful. We believe education extends beyond textbooks, and therefore, we create opportunities for holistic development through cultural events, co-curricular activities, and skill-building workshops. These initiatives not only improve academic performance but also instill confidence, resilience, and leadership in our students.
As we move forward, our ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between rural and urban education by setting a benchmark for excellence in rural schooling. We are committed to nurturing every student’s potential, helping them carve their own paths as accomplished professionals and compassionate individuals who contribute positively to society.
Through St. Joseph’s, we hope to create a legacy of empowerment that will ripple across generations, transforming not just individual lives but entire communities.
Mr. Benedict Selvakumar A. is the Correspondent of St. Joseph’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School, dedicated to promoting academic excellence and student development through strong leadership and vision.