the project opened its own primary school so that all children in the village could afford a good education


the primary school building

Gramodaya School - a primary school in an Indian village

The project opened its own primary school in 1987 with just over 100 students. There are now over 200 children of whom around 30% are girls. In the beginning, the school used a couple of tiny, dark rooms next to the dairy and, as enrolment increased, classes even took place in the cattle barn! In 1999, money was raised abroad to provide a good building for the school and there are now spacious classrooms with electric light and fans as well as a large playground. A scholarship scheme operates here, providing school fees for 100 children every year. There is also a vitamin program under which all the children receive free vitamin A and D pills on a regular basis. This was initiated on the recommendation of an English nurse who worked with the primary school staff and students for six months and checked the health of all the children. A follow-up examination was done two years after the vitamin program had been established and considerable improvement was noted, particularly in the skin and eyesight.

Project visitors under the Experience Rural India scheme often enjoy doing voluntary work in this primary school. Many of them have spent a great deal of time and effort making the classrooms attractive with colourful murals and preparing useful teaching aids. Some have also done voluntary work teaching here.

This school is now one of four primary schools in the village.

"This village is so much better than the one I came from. I feel safe here. There are good schools for my children and scholarships to help them. I am also able to run a small dairy which is very important for our family’s income as my husband’s health is very poor." (Basanti, 33, an illiterate village woman)

Information for Supporters

Find out how you can help Gramodaya primary school.

Note also that, under the IVCS Experience Rural India scheme you can come and see this Indian primary school for yourself, and get involved in the work here.

Back to Amarpurkashi Project - Overview.