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My trip to India this summer was wonderful. The highlight by far was my visit to the Andovar School in Poraiyar, Tamil Nadu. This is the rural school that I am working to expand to the secondary school level in conjunction with the Shakthi Foundation.
About 140 boys and girls attend the school. The majority of the children are from extremely poor backgrounds. Average household income of $100 a month or less. Poraiyar is a coastal town and most fathers work as fisherman or laborers.
I had seen a few photos of the school and children so I was not completely surprised when we pulled up to the gate.
I was warmly greeted with a traditional welcome ceremony by one of the teachers. Dr. Madeshwaran, the school administrator, accompanied me during my morning at the school. You will see him also in the welcome video.
I was greeted by warm smiles, shy glances and occasional whispering and waving. The mood turned very exuberant and enthusiastic as it was announced that I would be passing out ice cream treats for everyone!
Students in Tamil Nadu, India Need Sponsorship for Secondary School
501(c)3 USA tax-exempt
$275 =Tuition for Year
$100 =Teacher Salary for a Month
$275 =Tuition for Year
$100 =Teacher Salary for a Month
My trip to India this summer was wonderful. The highlight by far was my visit to the Andovar School in Poraiyar, Tamil Nadu. This is the rural school that I am working to expand to the secondary school level in conjunction with the Shakthi Foundation.
About 140 boys and girls attend the school. The majority of the children are from extremely poor backgrounds. Average household income of $100 a month or less. Poraiyar is a coastal town and most fathers work as fisherman or laborers.
I had seen a few photos of the school and children so I was not completely surprised when we pulled up to the gate.
I was warmly greeted with a traditional welcome ceremony by one of the teachers. Dr. Madeshwaran, the school administrator, accompanied me during my morning at the school. You will see him also in the welcome video.
After the welcome, I toured the classrooms and premises. The school has no electricity or lights, no computers, no library. A simple lunch is cooked over open fire on the school premises. The school has had basically no improvements or expansion since its founding 60 years ago.
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| One of the classrooms at the school |
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| Lunch in Progress |
A little later, the teachers called the students to the open courtyard. This courtyard serves as assembly hall, lunch room and game area. I was formally introduced and had a chance to speak to the students. Dr. Madeshwaran served as my translator. The students study English but their native language is Tamil.
The school courtyard and assembled students.
In my greeting, I tried to convey to the students that they had something very special and precious at their school. Although they had few educational resources, their enthusiasm, respect for their school and teachers and interest in learning were apparent to me even during my short visit.
I expressed to them that there were people that I knew that were very interested in helping them fulfill their goals to be teachers, doctors, policemen, accountants.
Without a secondary school next year-these dreams for a better future will not be possible. I told them that we would do everything we could to insure that they could continue on with high school next year.
Child of the Day
Education is the Best Gift and the Surest Way Out of Poverty!
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