08th December 2008

Bangalore:

Last Saturday (6th December 2008) we had been to the school. The following are the activities
(1) We had some clothes and chocolates to distribute which was donated by a person

(2) The computer needed some servicing, cleaning and re-installing some softwares. This was done (costed us Rs. 150)
(3) As agreed upon (that we shall distribute chocolates on our first visit every month) we had distributed chocolates. This costed us Rs. 110
Post the above activities we sat down with the Teacher and discussed in detail what we had planned to do from our side and how we can involve and contribute our time and effort (based on suggestions and inputs from all). At the same time asking what she expects from us. The following are the points touched upon

a) Make sure that there is pure drinking water at school. Installation of water purifier if necessary.

b) Donate indoor games and sports items to school. Meet with Principal of School and emphasize on having sports related activities for children
c) Donate Notebooks, Cursive writing books, activities books, story books.
d) Distribute 1Re. Cadbury's chocolates to all children during the first visit to school every month.
e) Conduct moral science, spoken English classes, quiz's (inform prior), General Knowledge, Hygine, good habits etc…
f) Make sure to visit school atleast once every month
g) Personality development classes for high school students
h) Plan and conduct competitions and distribute prizes.
i) If school doesnt have a toilet, we will have to build toilets if space is available. Check with localites of that area to collect funds for construction. If not able to collect sufficient money, then we will have to check if Saktyavesh can contribute money towards building toilet.
j) Keep check on attendance and ensure that there is less dropouts.
k) Further education plans/counselling for High school students. (already doing for th standard)
l) Arrange medical inspection
m) Active participation during parents-teachers meetings.
n) visiting the homes of the children who are irregular
f) educational trip
The good news is that the school is now scaling up. Currently conducting classes till 5th standard, construction is going on for 6th, 7th classes. 6th standard will commence from the coming academic year

Below are some of the facts of the school

The school was established on 5th July 2004. Currently there are around 132 children ( 1st class - 39, 2nd class - 28, 3rd class - 28, 4th class - 20, 5th class - 17)
The subjects the students are taught are Kannada, English, Maths, EVS (environmental studies)
There are currently 2 Teachers and one volunteer : Sheela (Head incharge), Kala and volunteer Saritha
For 1st till 4th standard there are two half yearly exams (September and March). However results will not be announced. If the attendance percentage is 75%, then the student is promoted to the next class.
For 5th standard there is monthly one test, half yearly exams. Here the student has to pass to go to 6th class (Grade system)
Weekly 2 period for games - 1 for indoor and 1 for out door (80 minutes)
Yearly once there is free medical check up
Monthly once training for all the Teachers (on a rotation basis) to improve Teaching quality
School Timing weekday: 8:45 - 4:00, Saturday: 7:45 - 12:30
Parent-Teacher meeting is conducted monthly once. And 3 months once when Progress card is issued again there is a parent Teacher meeting
Challenging experiences: When there are drop outs, the Teachers visit the respective homes and enquire about the students absence and encourage them to come back to school

Currently the donors (on a regular basis) for the school are:

SLV developers - bags, shoes, socks - yearly once
The area counseller - approx 500 notebooks every year

Apart from the material contibution that we are currently involved in, we can surely look at the suggestions given by the Head Incharge - that of Teaching, conducting classes, competitions etc..,

It will be great to hear from you, your suggestions and inputs, so that we can go with the best possible strategy in making it one of the best institutions. Should there be any questions, dont hesitate to raise it

Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations