BACKGROUND
Rotary has recognized Literacy as one of the major focus area and in order to facilitate that, Rotary District 3230, has set a vision called “SCHOOLS INTO SMILES” Project in the year of 2004 – 2005. Under this scheme, already 50 Government schools have been renovated, giving them a fresh lease of life, improving the infrastructure substantially and hence providing equal opportunity to the underprivileged section of the society towards good education.
THE PROJECT
In this connection, Rotary Club of Meenambakkam has adopted the Villiwakkam Panchayat Union School at Mogappair and significant renovation work has already been carried out. The school which was in a pathetic condition an year before, is now comparable with any private schools.
The project involved complete renovation of the infrastructure of the school. The condition of the school last year was pathetic, with no compound walls, the school ground was being used as a dump yard for the nearby houses, and the ground was freely truss passed and used as a shortcut. There was neither toilet or water facility. Class rooms were in a bad condition with no proper flooring or roofing.
Some of the works done by the Rotary club are:
- Compound wall was built around the school, preventing others from misusing the school premises for any other illegal activities
- A steel gate was provided at the main entrance
- The ground which was earlier used as a dup yard by the neighboring community was cleaned and leveled as a good play area
- New toilet blocks for girls and boys were constructed
- A bore well was dug and water connection provided to the toilet and other wash areas
- A stage was built for conducting school functions
- Flooring on all the class rooms were repaired
- Doors and windows repaired and painted
- The entire building was white washed
- Furniture for class room provided
- Uniforms to all the children provided
On the 9th August 2006, the Rotary International President Rtn.William B.Boyd, visited the school, inaugurated the renovated school and dedicated the school to the community.
The RI President was accompanied by Rotary International Director, Rtn.Noraseth Pathmanand, and one of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, Rtn. K.R.Ravindran. District Governor Rtn.J.B.Kamdar and Past District Governors Rtn.Benjamin Cherian and Krishnan.V.Chari were also present.
President of Rotary Club of Meenambakkam Rtn.A.V.Srinivasan, Immediate Past President Rtn.Manjula V.Krishnan and Assistant Governor Rtn.C.R.Raju briefed the RI President about the project. Many Rotarians and their families were present during the event.
The RI President inspected the work carried out by the club and appreciated the club for this commendable service effort.
DETAILS OF THE SCHOOL
Name of the school : VILLIWAKKAM PANCHYAT UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Address : Sector-7,3rd Block,Mogappair West,Chennai.
Strength : 170 students including boys and girls from 1st to 5th Standards.
BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY
This work will not only benefit directly the present children and the teachers of the school, but also the community around the area at large. This project will result in
- Increased attendance of the students
- Reduction of school dropouts
- Improvement in learning levels and increase in literacy levels
- Encouraging girl children to pursue education, particularly in primary level
- Creating better quality citizens
- Infrastructural support for adult literacy classes, medical camps, vocational training for self help groups and so on.
The enthusiastic and untiring teachers who some how manage to impart education to these under privileged children against all odds, the innocent children themselves who are ambitious of becoming Doctors, Engineers and Professionals in future, unlike their unfortunate parents have been the inspiration for this grand project. These neglected children will also one day realize their dreams and become valuable citizens of our Nation.
Rotary Club of Meenambakkam has adapted the school with long term commitment. The infrastructure of the school will further be improved in stages in the coming months, and the school will be transformed in to a model school in this area.
