October 5 – Seeing the School Sponsored by Grand Circle

On most of our Grand Circle/OAT trips, we’ve visited schools that are financially assisted by the Grand Circle Foundation. Many of them have been getting the help for a long time. This time we were able to see a school (private, not government run) that has recently started in the program. Sanjay told us that this summer, the OAT staff (office and trip leaders) spent time at the Saini Adarsh Vidyah Mandir School in Ramsinghpura, with reconstruction (interior areas), electrical work (installing fans), and painting at the school. The school has classes for children through Grade 8. After that, they have to travel to another location for higher grades. The students left their sandals in a covered area and sat on a mat in their “classrooms.” All students were from the area, but the teachers came from away from the local village. Students were all excited to see us, posing for pictures and showing us their work. I read from one student’s writing journal and was very impressed with his English.

Since all classrooms didn’t have closed doors, it was usually very noisy as we walked through the middle area. The ground was muddy, as it had rained the day before. This didn’t seem to bother any of the students. Most students wore uniforms as they are in most schools in India.

Unfortunately, the bureaucracy in India has prevented most of the GCT funds from being used by the school. Fortunately, the Delhi office has been helping out with needs of the school. When the summer work was done, they brought blackboards and some school supplies with them. Many of us, as we’ve done in the past, brought some supplies, too. (This time I brought pencils and markers. Someone else brought rulers.)

I’d like to see what the school looked like before the OAT staff helped. I’ll call GCT (Boston office) when I get home to find out if they have some pictures.) A future plan is to add classrooms to the second floor and convert some open (covered) areas to toilets. Children now have to go out of the school for using one. (I’m not sure where all of them go, but most live close by.)

We walked to a local home to see how the villagers lived. Our host was one of three brothers who live in the same area. He is both a farmer and a guard at the park. He showed us his home (very simple but had a TV) and served us crackers and fresh-made chai. Our seats were their beds (woven cots) that were set up outside. Life is simple for them and they appear to be very happy and content.