An effort to provide an equal opportunity to children from rural areas of India
SMILE conducted an extensive research and found out the various problems faced in rural schools and decided to assist and help develop some schools in rural areas. These schools have no infrastructure and amenities and the parents do not understand the need of education for their children.
Despite all these challenges our rural project commenced in 2008 with restructuring a Montessori and secondary school in Panwal village, district Ratnagiri with 158 students. We then developed a school in Wada, Thane district and also supported three schools in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. SMILE has supported approximately 1,200 children from all these rural areas. This has been a proud achievement for us. The children are well looked after and progressing well in their academics. SMILE provides the children’s school fees, school bags, stationery and uniforms. We also plan the educational, sports and cultural programmes for the children, which further helps develop their overall personality.
SMILE has restructured a school in Thane at Vaki. A lot of amenities have been provided to the school like an auditorium, laboratory and a compound. This has provided a lot of motivation to the principal, faculty as well as the students resulting in good functionality of the school. The students are not only performing well in their academics but are also taking part in a lot of extra-curricular activities.
This year for grade 8th, 9th and 10th the admission rate in this school has increased from 160 students to 200 students. The students of this school had a very good opportunity last year to perform the ‘Lezim’ dance for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they visited SMILE in 2016.
In Gandhinagar, Gujarat, SMILE has supported three schools. SMILE has not only supported the school by helping with the school fees of the children but has also provided exposure to the children through extra-curricular activities and educational field visits. The children are also involved in cultural activities which has helped give an all rounded perspective of themselves. SMILE is also helping the school with amenities as they have limited resources. SMILE ensures that parents are involved with the progress of their child’s education and regular parent teacher meetings are conducted. The schools are progressing very well.
In Panwal village, Ratnagiri, SMILE has restructured a school and helped provide amenities, resources and guidance so that the school can progress well and the children can have a good education. Montessori admissions has increased by 30%.
Our aim is to extend our work to more rural areas of India. We feel there is a lot of potential in the children of these areas but a huge lack of facilities and resources.
