ACT- Report of 1994-96

Snap shots - 1994 - 96

     We began a small rural school, with a strength of 12 children. With a thatched roof shed for a school on August 15, 1994.

     In February 1995, we began with a comprehensive program - a system which attempts to combine the learning techniques of the MOTHER ( of Aurobindo Ashram) and the teaching techniques of Glenn Doman - using a system of flash cards and other FUN IN LEARNING methods. The school attempts to incorporate several experiences into the curriculum including audio-visual aids and educational outings.

     The children have responded very positively to the reading and math programs and enjoy their one hour of concentrated learning. The general knowledge has grown and their memory is phenomenal. We are happy to report above average progress of the children. We have in June, taken on a second batch.

     With the appointment of two teachers, and staggering the timings we are attempting to provide the maximum possible individual attention, a ratio of 1:5.

     As a beginning to better health we began with a small program of treatment with health tonics, calcium, liv52, and the like. Children have shown a very positive response to the treatment.

     With a view to provide supplementary support to local children who cannot afford tuitions, we have appointed teachers to assist the children with their school work.

     As a beginning in vocational assistance we have begun classes in a small way for girls in sewing, stitching, embroidery etc., in July.

A. Infrastructure development

     Building : We have inaugurated the first school building of 425sqft. In October 95 and classes are being conducted there since. We expect to build a library on the first floor as a logical extension. The first residential house is complete and we are ready with about 200 sqft.

     A mud house with cement plaster on the outside, was constructed to be used a store room. The idea was to experiment with the local expertise and local materials.

     To assist independence in construction we have acquired basic centering material, vibrator, diesel pump, bamboo scaffolding, welding machine etc. The have required large outlays and we expect they would help in the overall construction plans.

     Water : A deep bore well 50 meters has been drilled and provides a copious supply. We can irrigate about ten acres throughout the year. This would assist us in self-sufficiency in raising rice, maize, sesame, chilly, dals and a range of vegetables / fruits.

     Electricity : We have obtained three phase connection. An agricultural connection has also been installed.

     Telephone : We now have an STD telephone connection, a novelty in the area. We had to otherwise go 12 kms by bus to make our calls.

     Furniture : We have made tables and chairs for the nursery school building and writing activities have been taken up in earnest.

     The play park has been installed and the evenings find the park full of kids. This is possibly the only park in a 10 km radius.

We have acquired a cycle to help us move locally. We had to travel 40 kms to buy it!

B. Greening Activity

     We have begun the greening program with some perennial trees such as teak, bamboos, peepul and banyan, and some indigenous trees. With three acres of cultivable land we expect self-sufficiency even in terms of the future needs of the project.

     That does not sound like much in the year+ ? It seemed like a decade working from this end!!