Parner schools: Project status page

Introduction

Located in Parner taluka in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India
A total of 4 pre-schools mostly for tribal (Bhil and Thakkar) children aged between 3-6 years.
A total 72 Children enrolled ranging from 3-6 years.
Schools run from 10 am to 5pm.
1 teacher per school to lead interpretive / learning activities.
One helper per school to persuade children to attend and to run creche services after school period is over.
One program coordinator to recruit and manage staff and to conduct ongoing awareness programs for parents to foster demand for education.
4 training sessions/year for each employee to develop skills.

Significance of the effort

Literacy rate more than 30 years age group is 5% in this tribal area. Children in illiterate societies do not have role models and an environment conducive to the education process. Pre-schools are particularly useful in fostering an awareness and interest in education in communities where parents are unable to provide the preparation for primary school. In the absence of pre-schools, children find the first foray into government primary schools daunting and drop-out rates are high.

Scope and Expenditure

Current project scope costs Rs.165k ($3,800) per year.
Support for 4 schools in Kuranvasti, Kumbhardara, Godsedara and Limdari in Parner Taluka.
An average of 18 students per school.
Teacher and helper salaries for the 4 schools. Each teacher/helper is paid @ Rs.2000/month ($45/month).

$6 pays for the education of a child for a month. $72 for a year.
$90 pays a teacher for 2 months. $450 pays the teacher for a year.
$9 provides teaching aids, material and stationery for one school per month. $100 for a year.

Future expansion of project

Funds permitting we would do the following in the future
Continuing Support to all the 4 schools with approximately 10% increase in funding every year.
Tracking progress of children from pre-schools into primary schools ensuring no drop outs.
Continuing teacher and helper training to maintain and improve quality of teaching.

School Location MAP