Footprints Project
Since 2005, travelers like you have helped us change the world through micro-donations.
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A total of
176
Travelers
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donated
$503.28
(100% funded) -
to help improve
Education
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impacting
106
people -
in
India
The money raised ($500 AUD) enabled the purchase of an incredible amount of educational resources in May/June 07. The products are of quality and it is certainly a case of a little goes a long way. Each child at BK's School and Jatoli school were supplied with exercise books and a pencil pouch full of goodies that ranged from coloured pencils, black-lead pencils, pens & refills, sharpener & rubber to a Hindu God Card Calendar that was a much prized item!
Photo: BK’s School (Class 2) Kavita & Karisima use their new pencils
Due to the sheer impossibility of sourcing all materials from one store, they were procured from several stores which not only helped prop up the local Almora economy but was a challenge in itself! ... As were the logistics behind delivery in a remote location that included a mix of jeeps and mules! But thanks to both Durga and Laxman our local 'gora' (mule) wallahs, the goods arrived at both locations safely and at the designated time.
Finances for school resources have been an ongoing dilemma. The educational supply project enabled PEAK to not only provide the necessary equipment for effective school functioning but has alleviated household educational financial pressures. Staff at BK's noted that the attendance rate for girls improves if families don't have to outlay finite financial resources for school equipment.
The children have been enjoying story time, play sessions and art & craft classes have proven to be exceptionally popular. The project has been personally gratifying and it was beautiful sight to see not only the enormous smiles on little faces but children hugging their pencil pouches like it contained gold.
One minor challenge entailed persuading a couple of parents that the pencil cases were better being utilised at school than placed in a 'special tin trunk' as a cherished item too good to use!
Finally, the project enhanced PEAK's relationship with the community and inadvertently mobilised a community day where everyone arrived (unannounced?!) to clean up PEAK's Environmental Centre space in preparation for renovations. The PEAK/Community partnership is highly successful and full community dialogue, participation and consultation ensures the sustainability of every project undertaken.
Photo: BK’s School (Class 4) Backrow L to R: Bhawana, Khusbu, Geeta, Mamata, Beena. Middle row: Prema, Deepa, Dewani, Khasti, Shila. Front row: Endra & Hema
Bonnie Flynn, project co-ordinator
(posted 07 August 2007)
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