Deepa is one of nine children who live in a small two-room shelter. Neither room is walled on all four sides. She is now in 7th grade along with eleven other children.
Except for the kindness of a shopkeeper, Azaad would be homeless. As it is, he sleeps in the shop. His mother died three years ago; all the hopes of his father rest on this boy. Our school provides real hope for this family.
Our Accomplishments and Aims
In 2004, Asha Deep Vidyashram had 15-20 students, one teacher, about five books, some slates and chalk, and one rented room. We now have writing tables and chalkboards in twelve classrooms, educational materials, textbooks, art supplies, and an 800 book library. Just as important, we now have twelve teachers and about 230 students who have pulled together into a caring community of people eager to teach, learn, and help each other. As parents have begun to realize that their children are receiving good quality education, their enthusiasm for the school is growing as well as their hope for their children’s future.
In the past three years we have expanded the school by around 50 new students and one grade level every year. We have also:
- Received accreditation from the Uttar Pradesh Board of
Education(State Board).
- Begun providing a nutritious midday meal and lengthened the
school day for the children in grades 2-6.
- Started an immunization program, providing protection against
diphtheria, tetnus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, night
blindness, and intestinal worms.
- Created a computer lab and now offer compulsory computer
education in grades 2-7.
- Acquired land on which to build our own school building and
playground.
We look forward to changes and new opportunities in the coming years. Our next big step will be to build our own school building with enlarged facilities and space for the children to play.
