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*Educate children using technology :
The project is to set up computer labs in 8 government schools, located in the poor urban areas, reaching over 3,000 primary, secondary and high school students. We aim to reinforce the basics learned in the regular classrooms through syllabus based interactive software and tutorials in math, science and language, building a strong foundation, giving them a brighter future.
*Adult education : During weekends and holidays, we intend to provide adult education to the parents and to other interested adults. They will learn the basics of computing, how to use computers to pay bills online, how to do online shopping, how to use internet for information and so on through 3 hours workshops. This project feature will generate technology interest among the community members who will then support the children and schools in the sustainability of the project.
* Infrastructure improvements in schools : We are very excited about this feature of our project. We will install
much needed safe drinking water systems in the schools and will install low cost toilets in the schools.
The government schools located in the poor communities are notoriously infamous for the poor quality education. The children are promoted to the next level without passing the previous grade. So, many children
who have reached up to 10th grade are unable to read or write a simple paragraph nor they can do simple multiplication or subtraction math problem. These children when enter the job market, they end up getting labor job or they wander off on the street. Our project will make sure that the children learn the basics of math, science and language and reading. When their concepts are clear, they will enjoy the learning ! Our computer programs are kids friendly and interactive. The older students are taught project based learning.
Our schools are located in the poor industrial areas of Navi Mumbai where the community members work as laborers in the plastic,manufacturing and chemical industries. They are illiterate and unable to help their children with studies/homework. The adult education feature is planned to introduce them to computers and its practical applications during the weekends and holidays. Their support will help us sustain the project. We plan to charge nominal fees to students for attending the computer class. This will pay for the computer maintenance and teacher's salary.This model has worked for us in GG 25283, 2011 in Pune Chinchwad area where our computer labs are still going on !
While doing survey of Navi Mumbai poor community schools, we observe that schools were lacking safe drinking water systems. Kids were drinking from tap water without any filtration, causing water borne diseases to children. They were getting sick often. We will install safe drinking water system to the schools, identified in this project. Also, the schools have toilets in dilapidated conditions, unhygienic and dirty. We intend to install low cost toilets for the schools. We will make sure that schools administration take responsibility of their maintenance.
Budget : The total budget is $75,000.
Computer labs and Adult education : $50,000
Schools infrastructure improvements : $25,000
This project is sustainable. We will be working with Pratham as a partner organization, a leading NGO for children's education in India. We have completed 3 successful global grant projects in Pune and Navi Mumbai areas. We have a successful track record in the education and community development projects.
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