Thanks to the generosity of the Footprint's travelling community, PEAK was able to supply stationary and educational resources to 106 Class 1-6 children and teachers in two Kumaon Himalayan villages.
The money raised ($500 AUD) enabled the purchase of an incredible amount of educational resources in May/June 07. The products are of quality and it is certainly a case of a little goes a long way. Each child at BK's School and Jatoli school were supplied with exercise books and a pencil pouch full of goodies that ranged from coloured pencils, black-lead pencils, pens & refills, sharpener & rubber to a Hindu God Card Calendar that was a much prized item!
Photo: BK’s School (Class 2) Kavita & Karisima use their new pencils
Due to the sheer impossibility of sourcing all materials from one store, they were procured from several stores which not only helped prop up the local Almora economy but was a challenge in itself! ... As were the logistics behind delivery in a remote location that included a mix of jeeps and mules! But thanks to both Durga and Laxman our local 'gora' (mule) wallahs, the goods arrived at both locations safely and at the designated time.
Finances for school resources have been an ongoing dilemma. The educational supply project enabled PEAK to not only provide the necessary equipment for effective school functioning but has alleviated household educational financial pressures. Staff at BK's noted that the attendance rate for girls improves if families don't have to outlay finite financial resources for school equipment.
The children have been enjoying story time, play sessions and art & craft classes have proven to be exceptionally popular. The project has been personally gratifying and it was beautiful sight to see not only the enormous smiles on little faces but children hugging their pencil pouches like it contained gold.
One minor challenge entailed persuading a couple of parents that the pencil cases were better being utilised at school than placed in a 'special tin trunk' as a cherished item too good to use!
Finally, the project enhanced PEAK's relationship with the community and inadvertently mobilised a community day where everyone arrived (unannounced?!) to clean up PEAK's Environmental Centre space in preparation for renovations. The PEAK/Community partnership is highly successful and full community dialogue, participation and consultation ensures the sustainability of every project undertaken.
Photo: BK’s School (Class 4) Backrow L to R: Bhawana, Khusbu, Geeta, Mamata, Beena. Middle row: Prema, Deepa, Dewani, Khasti, Shila. Front row: Endra & Hema
Bonnie Flynn, project co-ordinator
(posted 07 August 2007)
The project will cover
The purchase of pencils, ink pens, sharpener and stationary for students and educational resources for teachers in both Hindi and English for two schools in the Kumaon Himalaya. In the state of Uttaranchal both Hindi and English are compulsory school subjects.
Why is this project required?
Pahari villagers rely largely upon subsistence agriculture with money from occasional seasonal employment supplementing fundamental household requirements. Lack of basic educational materials is an ongoing problem (especially for girls) in a region where the cost of education equates to absenteeism.
There is a dire need for both educational resources for teaching staff and basic stationary equipment for school children. The provision of education materials will enhance school attendance rates and educational outcomes.
Kumaon village schools
The Jatoli primary school (Class 1-5) is in the last village reached via foot in the Sunderdhunga valley. The school was built two years ago and has approximately 30 students. There is currently no middle school in Jatoli.
BK’s School (75 students) is in Khati, the last village in the Pindari valley. BK’s School caters for Class 1-5 students and is introducing new methods and teaching practices into the classroom to create a vibrant learning atmosphere.
Other ways to get involved with this project
If interested in this project contact Bonnie or Scott to discuss further involvement. Anyone with teaching skills who can volunteer for a period of time would be most welcome to contact PEAK for additional information.
Can I visit this project?
We love visitors! But please advise before arrival so we can hatch a plan. Khati Village location: Pindari Road via Bharari (Kapkot), Bageshwar District, Uttaranchal, India
Photos
The small thumbnail shows Dewani & Deepa (Class 3).