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1. Introduction
This project evolved from another wildly successful project called RDEP ("Rotary Distance Education Program") launched two years ago by our District 3131 (See more at www.rdep.org). Over 700 RDEP kits have been installed by various clubs in our district of which our club (Rotary Club of Pune Central) has installed 145 to date.
PRIP Kalyan Banerjee, PRIP Raja Saboo & John Hewko, General Secretary and CEO of Rotary International have personally examined typical RDEP installations and have lauded the program. It has seen significantly improved pass rates, higher grades, increased attendance among children and higher satisfaction and engagement among both students and teachers. PRIP Banerjee expressed his desire to see an expanded version of this program and also its adoption by other Rotary Districts. In addition, Rotary International has announced the South Asia 100% Literacy Program which we have taken as a basis for this project that we call "Rotary School Concept".
2. What needs have been identified
India has many problems including corruption, unemployment, financial marginalization, public health and violence (especially against women and children). Rather than try to tackle each one of these individually, our club has focused on Education as a means of eradicating all of these problems over the long term. As the level of education rises, civic responsibility, health awareness and other positive outcomes automatically follow. In short, we believe that Education will create the greatest leverage for our interventions and help India progress more rapidly.
Our Mission: "Leverage global and local resources to educate children and adults to achieve 100% literacy to match global standards."
3. How the project will meet those needs
We intend to focus largely on the RDEP program for multiple schools. In addition, we will do a 360 degree intervention into selected schools for overall improvement.
RDEP systems consist of a kit that includes a computer connected to a projector and loaded with animated lessons of the complete syllabus as prescribed by the school board. The software also includes vocational training and career counseling modules. In addition to installing the kits, teachers are trained to use these systems and the club monitors their usage. Our Rotarians are closely involved with the identification, administration and monitoring of the program as well as individual schools.
The 360-degree interventions include providing books, blackboards, benches, toilets, drinking water, health interventions (e.g. vaccinations, female hygiene etc.), sports equipment, English/Math coaching and much more. In addition, we will provide teacher training, career guidance and mentoring through agencies as well as members of our club.
4. The timeline for your project.
This is an ongoing project and we have passed resolutions as well as amended the bylaws of our club to ensure that future presidents and boards of the club will remain committed to at least 3-5 years.
5. What the project funds will be used for
(See attached for a better formatted version)
Dhanore School Jogeshwari Vidyalaya Other Schools (TBD)
Item Unit Cost ($) #s Total #s Total #s Total Explanation
Compound Wall/Fencing $ 1,639 1 $ 1,639 $ - $ -
RDEP Kits $ 1,475 2 $ 2,951 1 $ 1,475 6 $ 8,852 One for each Classroom
Computers $ 246 20 $ 4,918 20 $ 4,918 20 $ 4,918 Each Computer initially shared by 3 students
Computer desks $ 25 20 $ 492 20 $ 492 20 $ 492
Computer Lab (Wiring etc.) $ 1,639 1 $ 1,639 1 $ 1,639 1 $ 1,639
Science lab $ 1,639 1 $ 1,639 $ - $ - For 9th & 10th primarily
Library books $ 2 600 $ 984 200 $ 328 200 $ 328
Black boards, cupboards $ 98 13 $ 1,279 $ - $ - 13 classrooms
Career counseling $ 410 $ - $ - $ - 1 Counselor FT or 2 PT
English & Math coaching $ 492 $ - $ - $ - External PT coaches
Music teacher $ 246 $ - $ - $ - 1 FT or 2 PT
Sports equipment $ 820 1 $ 820 1 $ 820 $ - Team sports (Football, Volleyball, Basketball)
Sports grounds (maintenance) $ 197 $ - $ - $ - 2 "malis" FT - 12 months
Sports coach $ 410 $ - $ - $ - 1 FT coach
Total $ 16,361 $ 9,672 $ 16,230
6. How club members will be involved
A committee of 23 people is currently active on the RDEP project and meets at least every month. In addition, sub-committees charged with specific responsibilities meet as needed. This committee will become the committee for this enhanced version of the project. As described above, club members will be involved identifying and vetting schools that are to receive the interventions. Some members perform vendor management, including negotiating better pricing and finding alternative sources. The program is closely monitored and automatic logging software to track usage patterns is being incorporated. And external agency was hired at the district level to audit the program and gave very positive feedback.
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