School Update - As Of May, 2010

The transformation of the Village Of Shimoga is already beginning and is spreading to other villages in the area.

The original 72 students are attending school in a temporary facility. They have graduated from 1st grade and will be starting 2nd grade in June.

They are very proud to wear their uniforms. For many children who have worn second-hand clothes all their lives, this is their first set of new clothes and shoes.

The children have to sit on the floor for their classes. But they don't seem to mind at all. In fact, they are thriving!

They are learning that they have value and dignity. They are learning that they are "equal" with everyone else in their country.

Government recognition is important to a non-governmental Indian school. It allows students to take government-sponsored examinations for official educational credentials. Sometimes this permission can be difficult to obtain if local leaders are apathetic, resistant, or skeptical of the presence of an English-medium school focused on educating untouchable children.

The Community Development Officer (CDO) of the Shimoga School is working hard to gain a positive reputation for the school in the area. He reports that there is increasing acceptance of the school in the surrounding community.

In spite of the temporary facilities and minimal academic assistance at home due to the illiteracy of the parents, the CDO also reports that the students are doing well as was reflected in their good performance on their first final exams.

The teachers are very pleased with the progress of the students. As mentioned above, because the parents are illiterate, the teachers make extra efforts to prepare the students for their yearly final exams etc.

Both the CDO and the Shimoga Teaching Staff look forward to beginning construction of the permanent school building. A permanent building and grounds will greatly facilitate the children's learning.

It will also set the stage for future community development efforts of The Shimoga Project such as bringing in a permanent Community Healthcare Worker, beginning economic self-help groups and vocational opportunities with provisions for fair-rate loans to help the people start private ventures.

Over half of the funds have been raised. Please help us raise the balance of the funds needed so we can begin building the school.

Thank you!