Experts agree that the best way to start rebuilding the Indian society is through education of under-privileged masses, and in particular, of under-privileged children. What is perhaps less recognized is the fact that there is grave ignorance in India, in the field of quality Early Childhood Education.
Gram Mangal is a 25 year old, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization, dedicated to bringing quality elementary education to the doorsteps of tribal and rural children.

Gram Mangal runs residential middle schools and many Balwadi’s (pre-primary) and Vikaswadi (primary schools) in tribal and rural areas.

Gram Mangal continues to successfully imbibe latest research in education and brain development into its highly acclaimed teaching methodologies, education and learning aids, teacher training programs and school consulting services programs

Legacy

Schools with a difference

How you can help make a difference

Gram Mangal was started in 1982 by Tarabai’s protégé, the late Anutai Wagh and Prof. Ramesh Panse, in the tribal region of Aine-Dabhon. This region is famous for its Warli tribal paintings and is located one and a half hours north of Mumbai. Anutai was also honored for her work with the “Padmashree” title.

Gram-Mangal continues in the legacy of these stalwarts in its innovative and scientifically rooted, highly acclaimed non-formal education methods.

In 2003, Gram-Mangal received the prestigious Fr. Maschio Memorial Lifetime award "in recognition of the excellent work done towards the education of tribal children, using innovative teaching methods". Earlier recipients of the award include prominent social workers such as Baba Amte and Mother Teresa.

UNICEF (India) called Gram Mangal schools “the most scientific experiments in childhood education in our part of the world”.

If you visit Gram Mangal’s schools (which you should whenever you get a chance!), you will notice a marked difference in the way school is conducted. You cannot miss the team spirit and camaraderie among students, blending with the local environment, the innovation in learning methods and the overall energy level.

Gram Mangal’s learning methods are all aimed towards –

►Fast Learning ►Perfect Learning ►Complete Learning ►Permanent Learning

Note that the focus is all on “Learning” more than “teaching”... a marked difference from traditional schooling, and shows the Montessori influence.

Finally, the need for values-based education cannot be underscored in today’s world. Gram Mangal is very mindful of this almost urgent need in society, and has therefore laid the foundation of its work on the 5 pillars of Swatantrya (freedom), Sahakar (co-operation), Shramanand (joy of labor), Vivek (rationality) and Saundarya (aesthetics).

Join Asha Atlanta’s “Support-a-Child” Program

About 500 children, mostly tribal, are studying in Gram-Mangal schools. Gram-Mangal has developed a Foster-Parenting program through which individuals or institutions can fund the costs for these children.

a.  The most popular program is the Dollar-a-day Residential school child foster parenting program for middle school students -
Rs. 14,500 / $365 per annum per child  
(Includes all expenses except teacher salaries)

b. If you harbor a special bond with people having athletic or musical abilities (or even  otherwise:), you can choose to sponsor such a gifted child at -
Rs. 20,000 p.a. / $500 per annum per child
(All residential school expenses except teacher salaries)

c. People have also chosen the option of sponsoring one or more Balwadi (pre-primary) or Vikaswadi (primary) students at -
Rs. 4,000 p.a. / $100 per annum per child (includes all expenses)

Join Asha Atlanta’s “Support-a-Teacher” Program

Teachers are the most valued team members of any educational institution. They make things happen at Gram Mangal as well and in fact, they choose to continue with Gram Mangal despite having better paying opportunities elsewhere. However, Gram Mangal is making an effort to make the decision to stay back easier for them, and you could certainly help, by participating -
Rs. 8,000 / $200 per month per teacher (Middle school)