Help educate 600 tribal children in India yearly

Virendra Sahariya, from Nayagaon Satellite School, is one of the 8 students from this school who have applied for admission in middle grades of Adharshila.Virendrahas been taking part in various events organized by Adharshila like Annual Athletics Meet and Cultural Program. He fondly recalls his practice session during the Annual Cultural Program, in which he performed a dance number on stage. Though Adharshila is at 5 kms from his village and taking admission there would mean walking 10 kms on daily basis, but Virendra is clearly not concerned about the distance. His only concern is that he wants to complete his schooling.Virendra has seen his elder brother’s journey, a class 8^th dropout who is now working as a Mason. The struggle of his brother made him realize the importance of education. He adds “I do not know what will I become in future but one thing I’m determined about is that I want to complete my schooling”. Virendra’sfather is a farmer and he helps him in the field. He is aware that he won’t be able to help his father on daily basis once he gets enrolled in Adharshila, “I know I’ll get busy after  joining Adharshila, but after all what are Sundays meant for, I’ll assist my father on Sundays”  says Virendra.

This year Adharshila received 6-8 such applications from the Satellite schools for admission in middle grades. Like Virendra, these applicants are the students who have shown considerable improvement in their learning levels and have shown willingness to continue their education after primary level. Usually not many students continue their education after primary level due to poor infrastructure, low learning attainments etc. The absence of any improvement in the learning levels of children compels the parents to discontinue the schooling of their children, but the Satellite schools have succeeded in changing this scenario.

Another student from the Nayagaon Satellite School, Manisha completed her 5^th grade this year. Manisha’s father is keen on sending her daughter to Adharshila for further schooling and was found making arrangements of her daughter’s accommodation in Village Agraa so that she doesn’t have to walk all the way to Adharshila on daily basis. In a place where majority of the children are first generation learners, the willingness of Manisha’s father to educate her daughter is truly appreciable.

Adharshila started its first Satellite school in the year 2012 and by 2014 expanded it in 5 different villages. The idea behind the initiative was to bridge the gap between the learning levels and class in which the students were enrolled. The main purpose was to improve the learning levels so that the students get motivated to continue their schooling after primary level.Thanks to all the supporters who joined us in this initiative.

If you think well of our work, please do spread the word among your friends, colleagues and family too. Thank you again for all you have done to help this cause.