For AID Buffalo

About Apna Skool Initiated 25 years ago by group of students and local people as the pro-bono organization - Jagriti. Focuses on primary education of children belonging to family of migrant laborers thus impacting their socio-economic development. Today, has full-fledged programs based out of Kanpur province in collaboration with Prayas, Jagriti, AID, ASHA and Mala Foundation. Mainly laborers migrating to Kanpur from Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and some districts in UP covers the target audience.

Develop importance of education amongst migrant laborers, thus encourage them to send their kids to schools. Let children experience the joy of childhood by bringing them to schools and involving in sports and recreational activities such as singing, drawing, SUPW etc. Inculcate a sense of responsibility amongst parents, especially women, further leading to community development. Engage parents in community camps to increase awareness of health, hygiene and minimum wages. Mission/Objective

Programs/ Activities In total teaching centers operate every year depending on the brick kilns in the region. Approx students, with 40% of female students, and 28 teachers participate in the teaching program which are run at various centers in and around Kanpur. Children are provided sweaters, uniforms, study and sports material. Nutrition programs involving mid-day meals, immunization camps and visits from doctors. Other than education, trips to zoo and educational centers, movies and animations are part of the curriculum.

Future Prospects: Many children who started studies with Apna Skool are now working as teachers in primary school, Shikshamitra, Art graduates etc. Attitude change: Now more and more laborers are keen in educating their children and participates in annual day of the school. They feel enthusiastic when their kids perform plays, sing or dance. Not just laborers, but even contractors have started taking interest in supporting child education at construction sites and providing minimum wages to the migrants. Minimum wages awareness: More and more workers are aware about the guidelines laid down by government for minimum wages. Community development: Many schools started near to brick kilns, are also situated near to the community where laborers live. It have helped in development of the community other than the kids’ education. Impact

Supporters AID has been supporting 5 centers since 2006 with an average contribution of $6000 annually. ASHA supported other centers until the recession in the year MALA has supported land acquisition of hostels for children to stay at Kanpur and study while their parents migrate for their livelihood. Do read the poem!!!!

New projects At present, the Apna skools are supported till July’11.Apna skools Additional funding is required for construction of 2 new hostels, land for which were procured in the July’10. Honorarium of teachers is to be supported, conveyance and transportation for children is required to take them from home to respective schools. Also nutrition programs, uniforms, study and sports material for kids i.e. scholarship support is required.scholarship support Click on the links to get the funds break-up.

Updates/Challenges Right to education bill passed in 2009 which guarantees education to every child 6-14 yrs of age. Private schools are required to reserve 25% of seats for the underprivileged children. Govt. to provide free books, study materials. RTE fails to be implemented rightly in most of the states including UP. Job which should be done by government is taken by NGOs like Apna Skool to provide primary education to the children. Under RTE, NGOs like Apna Skool can provide NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) only till 2012.

Future directions Filing petitions to government to provide separate guidelines for NGOs or schools which are run non-formally but act as rich sources of primary education to the underprivileged children. Engage or popularize work from NGOs providing primary education in order for them to gain recognition.

Appendix A – Scholarship for children ItemDescriptionAmount ($) School feesPaid once per year20 School dress2 sets of dresses per child16 Study MaterialsFor one term22 NutritionMid-day meal/ fruits70 TransportationVehicle maintenance cost, petrol charges 110 Education TourEducation Center tickets, Vehicles hire charges 6 Sports kitsUtilities per center30 Total scholarship required for 65 children = $13,000

Appendix B – Funds for Apna Skools ItemsDescriptionAmount ($) Teacher HonorariumAnnual salary for 5 centers 5454 Teacher training*Conducted once in an year. For 20 centers 910 Coordinator HonorariumAnnual salary for 20 centers 2180 ConveyanceAnnually410 Administrative ExpensesAnnual for 20 centers2348 Conducted in guidance with Eklavya. Total amount required to run centers is = $11,302