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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. Rotary Club of Pune Central (RCPC), has adopted this Concept and is focussing on furthering it from this year.
The proposed project is to adopt the Yashodeep School. This school is for the underprivileged children of our society. There are 900 students, 50% of them girls, who come walking to the school from a distance of 6-7 km, and children of villagers, labour class, and construction workers. It was established in 1986, at Warje which is 25 km from Pune city. It is owned by Mahatma Phule Vidya Niketan Sanstha Trust, a charitable trust which runs 10 schools in and around Pune and has very good experience and track record. Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs have been supporting these schools.
The school is in a land area of 8000 sq feet, consisting of the Old and New wings. Though there are basic amenities like a 12,000 litres underground tank and a 1000 litres overhead tank for drinking water, the school lacks proper facilities for a full education programme. For example, there are no science and computer labs and no proper toilets. Windows, electrical wiring, light fixtures, fans, class room furniture, office furniture, library, a sound system and playground fixtures are needed urgently.
RCPC proposes to augment school facilities in two Phases:
In the first phase we propose to improve / install / augment essential items like classroom furniture, office furniture, toilets, library, computer lab, science lab, playground with equipment, and of course, install the RDEP systems in 3 classrooms. We will also provide RDEP systems to 12 more schools in this phase itself.
In the second phase we will add another 3 classrooms with the RDEP systems, complete the work in the computer and science labs, and provide new flooring, tiling in class rooms and on the terrace. We will also provide RDEP systems to 13 additional schools, in this phase.
Thus, in addition to bringing the Yashodeep School upto modern standards, RCPC will also provide RDEP systems to 25 schools, adding to the tally of the existing 145 schools already with this system.
The details and budgeting are as per attached sheet. The planned sources of funding are also attached in another excel sheet.
RCPC exhorts clubs to come forward and donate generously to this cause. This project is one of R I's 6 areas of focus viz. Basic Education and Literacy. Both are the need of the hour and RCPC is fully committed to it.
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