Asha for Education

Project Brief: Santiniketan Sishutirtha is an orphanage and a school providing both traditional and craft-based education. The school currently has grades 1-5. Asha is supporting the extension of the school to support grades 6-8.
Project Type: Formal Schools (description)
Primary Focus: other (description)

Secondary Focus: other

Area: Rural
Supporting Chapter Contact: NYC/NJ

Status: completed - requirements ended
Project Steward: Pritha Mitra
Project Partner(s):
Other Contacts:
Project Address: , Santiniketan Sishutirtha, Sohini, Diganta palli,Santiniketan,Santiniketan,
West Bengal  731235
Tel: (03463) 261080, 261105
Stewarding Chapter: NYC/NJ

SS was created with the intent to provide child care needs and make children self-reliant in rural areas. In particular, the project consists of two parts: an orphanage and a school. The orphanage portion of the project envisioned a 'familiy like' environment to orphaned children, or those children without natural family. A small number of children would be placed under the care and custody of a suitable supervisor/mother and brought up in an atmosphere of love and sympathy and provide a craft-based, talent based education. Through the school This care and education would also be provided to the children of the neighboring villages.

SS was created in 1989. At this time SS started raising funds for the orphanage and the school. On December 12, 1999 the orphanage started operations. July 2003 the school began operating. The advisory committee of the organization has 33 members. 12 of the members are highly active and involved with the school.

SS participates actively in development efforts of the nearby villages. For example, when the orphanage and school were first established, they and the two neighboring villages had no electricity. At the time, the area was not scheduled to receive electricity for at least two more years. Members of the advisory committee of SS used contacts not only to immediately bring electricity to the school but also to the neighboring villages.

SS also helps the nearby villages gain access to agricultural experts who can advise the farmers on various types of crops, and plants, as well as farming techniques. The organization also subsidizes vaccinations for cows and other animals of the villages. Finally, the organization provides health care services to the community.

Asha is helping the school build walls around their "open" classrooms, build toilet facilities, and finally extend the school building to accomodate more children.

Dec 2003 Santiniketan Shishutirtha Project Proposal
Dec 2003 Santiniketan Shishutirtha Site Visit
Dec 2003 Santiniketan Shishutirtha Funding Request Budget