Project 2023 – I
Roots Foundation and Chaukhamba junior high school, Ukhimath, Phase I
When we set up Roots Foundation in July 2020, we had no idea where and how we could take this initiative forward. We just had a simple thought, which was to make a difference in life by supporting girl child education in the hill state of Uttarakhand. With the unwavering support of our donors and partners, in 2023, Roots Foundation managed to reach a remote school in the small village of Mansoona in Ukhimath in the state of Uttarakhand, India.
Village Mansoona in Ukhimath
Ukhimath is a charming small town in Uttarakhand, India that offers a unique combination of religion, adventure, and nature. It is situated at an elevation of 1,311 meters and at a distance of 41 km from Rudraprayag. It is a picturesque town situated at an elevation of 1,317 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and pristine rivers; it is a very popular location for tourists and pilgrimage seekers..
The local people of this town are known for their hospitality and warmth. There are about 189 houses in Mansoona village with a population of approximately 900 people.
The people in the village of Mansoona are hard-working and self-sufficient; however, they don’t earn much, and most of their earnings come from labouring, farming, herding, and other activities. The literacy rate of Mansoona village is 65%, out of which 75% males and 56% females are literate.
Chaukhamba junior high school, Mansoona
A semi-government school called Chaukhamba Junior High School was set up by the village administration. p>This junior school with a total strength of 56 students is a beacon of hope for the education of children in the area. It is mainly managed by the people of the village. The school gets support from the government in the form of appointment of teachers, providing mid-day meals for the students, assisting in hiring teachers, and providing students uniforms, ensuring every child has access to basic educational necessities.
The school offers classes from nursery to 8th standard, providing education to children from a young age.
How did the project start
The project started when we learned about the town of Ukhimath and the fact that this small village school was struggling with infrastructure. Despite having low per capita income, the local people of the village were supporting their children’s education. Knowing this gave them a strong foundation for their education and helped them to build at least a basic knowledge of their own to work towards the future for themselves and their families. The teachers and staff worked closely with the students, providing individual attention and support, helping them to reach their full potential. As soon as we got to know the conditions of the school and the motive of the villagers, we chose this as our next project.
Our goal was to transform the school into a modern, inspiring learning environment that would empower the students and their families, and we did our best to complete this project in a small way.
Infrastructure at Chaukhamba junior high school, Mansoona
The school had basic needs taken care of by the villagers and teachers, and mid-day meals were provided by the government, but the infrastructure needed to improve.
The school had five classrooms. However, the quality of the infrastructure could have been better. The school walls needed plastering, a fresh coat of paint, proper windows, and flooring, and were in disrepair.
One of the most pressing issues was the need for proper seating arrangements. The classrooms were without adequate benches, leaving students to sit on the floor during lessons. The floors were also in poor condition, with missing flooring that needed to be replaced.
This presented a major challenge for the teachers and students alike, as the environment needed to foster a productive and comfortable learning atmosphere. The lack of basic amenities and proper maintenance made it difficult for the school to provide quality education.
When we got to know about the condition of the infrastructure of that school and how difficult it was for the students to study in that environment, especially on cold days, we decided to take on this project and help the children and locals of Ukhimath.
We started with transforming the school into a modern, inspiring learning environment that would empower the students and their families, and we are proud to say we achieved that with the help of its principal and teachers’ logistical help.
Here’s a brief overview of what we have done and why we did it:
- Classroom Renovation: We merged two classrooms into one, creating a bright and airy learning space that promotes collaboration and creativity.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: We fixed the walls, added new sturdy walls, reinforced the ceiling to ensure the safety and security of every student, and installed modern floor tiles for a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
- Seating Arrangements: Provided proper seating arrangements to replace the inadequate benches, ensuring a productive and comfortable learning environment.