This project will build a permanent structure for a primary school in the village of Dandantiri, benefiting its 3 classes consisting of 78 students. Currently the school is constructed with millet stalks, common among poor villages. Its roof caves in every year. BARKA Foundation is currently building latrines at this school. The community is completely mobilized to build a more permanent structure for its children, and is contributing its labor and part of the finances for this project.
At the present time, the students are extremely vulnerable to the elements of sun, wind, and rain. In addition, they are subject to the dangers of the African bush such as snakes, scorpions, and other wildlife which can cause problems. Each year during the rainy season, the roof, made of millet stalks, collapses, or even blows off. Building a more permanent structure will create a better learning environment for the students and attract further resources to the school and community.
The community mobilized itself to take this important step and approached BARKA to help support it. The village has raised almost half the funds themselves and have already begun construction. Such self-determined mobilization is rare in rural villages and a sign of their commitment. This project includes the local Parent-Teacher Association, Students' Mothers Association and the Water & Sanitation Committee. Together with students and teachers, they asked BARKA to complete the funding.
Longer lasting classrooms will encourage the community to continue supporting children's education. Because BARKA is currently building latrines at this school, both students and community members will benefit from the improved sanitation and hygiene education. It has been proven that proper sanitation and hygiene empowers girls by enabling them to stay in school longer. This project will directly benefit over 100 people and indirectly benefit more than 1300.
