Atsalia School, Uttar Pradesh, India

Maanaw Seva is very proud of this, our key international project. Prior to 1991, the village of Atsalia had no roads leading to it, no electricity or clean water, no medical facility, and no school. Smt. Shakuntla Devi Bal Vidyalay Seva Sansthan (known as Sansthan) decided to build a school and provide free education for children not just from Atsaliya, but surrounding villages as well. Jankalyan Sanstha believed that with a school established other improvements would follow. He was right.

Atsalia School officially was opened on June 15, 1991 with 4 classrooms, 4 teachers, and about 200 children. Since 1995 our association has been managing Atsalia School, both the day to day running of the school and long term planning as well.

The village school has made a good progress. There are now 11 class rooms, a Library and hall, teachers quarters, and nine teachers. Classes are for grades 1 to 8, with 275 students in all. For the village itself, there are now roads and drinking water. However, besides education, more has to be accomplished towards running water, electricity (power), a medical facility, and attracting light industry.

The school has received recognition from the State of Utter Pradesh. The curriculum is in compliance with the State’s requirements, and approved by the local School Board. Subjects taught include Hindi, Sanskrit, English, Mathematics, Science, and Physical education. Importance is also given to personal hygiene, character development, and sports activities. Our school helps students with basic life skills to better become self-supporting and contribute to the development and prosperity of their village and areas. Future plans include grades 9 to 12 and vocational training for graduating students.

Often the challenge is to convince illiterate parents of the value of an education. Members of the Sansthan and school’s staff will visit parents to convince them that sending children to school would help the whole family.

With the continued generosity of our volunteers and supporters, Maanaw Seva Association’s current objective is to provide an education to poor and needy children that fosters a better future for them, their family and communities. Our longer term objective is that the school be self-sufficient.