A field report by Mr. Narayanan, Upakriti India Volunteer

While holidaying in India, I decided to visit one of the schools Upakriti supports.

The school is situated around 100km south of Chennai. Once I reached the place, I was welcomed by a gush of cool breeze and fresh air that was so very different from the polluted and thick environs of the city. Talk of first impressions…

I spotted a villager and decided to ‘interview’ him about the school. He was an ayurvedic doctor who wanted his two kids to attend this particular school though he lived a few miles away. When asked why he chose this school, the reply he gave was testimony to the wonderful service the school has been doing to the village community there.

“I could have enrolled them in schools which are run by the government, or in other private schools. But, as a dad who is very involved in my children’s future, I think this school is the best in this locality. Others don’t even compare with this. That’s why I don’t mind driving a few miles everyday to get my kids here,” he said.

His words acted like a tonic and I decided to check out how good the school was. I sat through the classes one by one to evaluate the quality of education.

I was amazed by the standard of education which was on par, even better, than schools in a metropolis. The teachers were full of energy and enthusiasm, and this seems to have rubbed off on the students who looked bright and happy.

All credit to the ever-smiling headmistress Mrs. Malathi for forging together such a talented and terrific team. Their team effort was evident when they all put their hands up spontaneously to chip in for a teacher who was going on maternity leave.

The school caters for 300-plus kids from a number of villages affected by tsunami in this area. AIM (Kadalur) not only imparts quality education, but also provides transportation to the kids after identifying that transport might come in the way of the village children pursuing their studies. What more could the villagers ask for?



 

Tsunami Rehabilitation Project, Kadalur

What does this mean to you –

Education is a vital cog in a nation's engine. Make this your dream school project and empower the children to empower their own future.

How can you be involved –

We look forward to your enthusiastic involvement as champions of Kadalur School movement. Pledge tax-deductible contributions via Upakriti (www.upakriti.org)

What’s the budget –

$25,000 for one full academic year

Number of kids –

300+ and growing fast

The services offered –

Textbooks and notebooks, transportation, educational tour, salary to teaching/non-teaching staff, salary to drivers, school maintenance and general upkeep.

Swami Dayanand Rotary Model School, Kadalur, Tamil Nadu

Principal and Staff of the School

Children wearing new uniforms and happily seated inside the School Bus