Education
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
This intervention is implemented in 2 project locations:
1. Bankura District, West Bengal and
2. Dantewada District, Chattisgarh
In Bankura District, West Bengal there are three Village Schools and supplementary education centers providing education at primary level and Shamayita Convent School providing education at secondary & senior secondary level.
In Dantewada district, Chattisgarh, Shamayita Math supports 21 Primary schools, 2 Middle schools and 20 Anganwadi centers.
Village Education Centers, Bankura, West Bengal
Shamayita Math has initiated Village Education Centers for primary education of a group of otherwise neglected rural children. The poor and marginalized households in Kendrabonathol, Hanspahari and Shiulibona villages are thankful to Shamayita Math for this initiative. Village
Kendrabonathol was the first to realize that it is education only which can bring socio-economic well being in their lives. Shamayita Marang Buru Primary School was established in this village on 10 October , 2010 on land donated by villagers.
Regularity in attendance has been established throughincreased interest of the children to come to school and continuous efforts by teachers and parents. The village children were otherwise engaged in grazing cows and roaming about aimlessly through village streets. Children are now neatly dressed, prepare lessons in time, appear for exams and also participate in extra-curricular activities. During 2011-12, the total students in the school was 42 out of which two students have been mainstreamed through their admission in Govt. High School in Standard V .
Friends of Shamayita Math, an organization formed by the volunteers from Denmark have been playing a pivotal role in development of the school by sending Danish volunteers and raising funds.
Residents of Shiulibona village in Chhatna Block requested for a similar supplementary education centre for the village students already attending Government run primary school. Hence Shamayita Marang Buru Shiksha Kendra was started on 1 May, 2011 in an existing community centre in the village.
Supplementary education to 50 students is being extended through the facility. Classes are held for 3 hours every day after students return from Government school. An amusement corner has also been developed for children.
Village Hanspahari in Bhaktabandh panchayet of Gangajalghati block is a secluded, forest fringed, tribal village inhabited by only 25 households of Santhal tribe. The village children mostly do not attend school as the closest Government run primary school is situated in the nearby village, a kilometer away.
On request and active participation by village residents of Hanspahari a two room school has been developed on land leased from Forest department. The school was inaugurated on 5 January, 2012 with a capacity of 50 students. Since inception of the school, Rotary Club of San Jose, USA (RID 5170) has extended financial support. Mr . Nick Leon from the club put special focus on maintenance of personal hygiene for each student. Keeping this as the priority, fund provided by the rotary club has been utilized for construction of sanitary toilet for students and teachers. Apart from this each student has been given tooth brush, toothpaste, slippers, water bottle and school bag. Students are made to brush their teeth everyday in school after meal.
Students are motivated to participate in extracurricular activities like school sports, annual picnic, competitions and cultural programs. Mid-day meal is provided to all students every day responsibility of which has been delegated to mothers of the students grouped into Self Help Groups. New set of dress is distributed to all students in three schools annually during the autumn festival 'Durgapuja'.
Shamayita Convent School, Bankura, West Bengal
The school stepped into its fifteenth year and has been a milestone in the locality, it being the only residential girls' school in the district of Bankura. The CBSE affiliated senior secondary school has taken the challenge of providing education to girls only, specially rural girls with the objective of combating global inequalities and empowering girls through education.
The enrolment in current academic session is 650. Forty eight students appeared and qualified in the CBSE Xth examination and second batch of 19 students qualified in CBSE X+2 examination. Education is given free to children from disadvantaged sections, especially those coming from the tribal community. Such students, both residential and day scholars are being sponsored by different well wishers eager to be engaged in different humanitarian activities of Shamayita Math. 'Asha for education' USA extended financial support for up-gradation of science laboratory and towards education of 13 tribal students. The school infrastructure expansion included construction of library, additional computer laboratory for senior section, addition of 3 rooms in Vijayini hostel and first floor construction of teachers' apartment.
The senior students of the school took the initiative of presenting a new set of dress during the Durga Puja to the 90 tribal students of the village schools in Kendrabonathol and Shiulibona through fund raising from the teachers and students of the school.
Promotion of supportive education Dantewada, Chattisgarh
The objective is to promote quality education to primary and middle school students. During the financial
year 2011-12 the organization has worked with 21 primary schools involving 540 students, 2 middle schools involving 54 studentsand 20 Anganwadi Centers with 202 students.
Services include:
a) Primary education with special emphasis on Mathematics and Hindi.
b) Classes are conducted by trained teachers during 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM (before the government school starts).
c) Ensuring nutritious breakfast to students.
d) Counseling of parents for awareness generation and better participation.
e) Monthly school health check up
Achievements
Increased attendance through Shamayita Math's interventions by 45 per cent
Learning skills of students increased by around 40 percent post intervention
Provision of nutritious food to middle & primary school students and Anganwadi children has helped in
decreasing malnutrition among children
Through regular interactions and application of joyful learning methods, there is a visible change in outlook of
students.
