In the rural villages of India, Dalit parents never dreamed it would be possible for their children to receive a quality English education that would provide them with intellectual freedom, personal dignity and spiritual hope. Through the establishment of our Good Shepherd Schools not only has education become available but the school becomes a source of hope for the entire community. Now the Dalits can qualify for further educational opportunities as well as social and economic privileges provided by the Indian government under the Affirmative Action program. DFN Canada has pledged our support to the Dalit people by providing education facilities throughout India for the Dalit children. Through your gift of education you can stand with the Dalits in their pursuit of freedom and hope for the future.
LIFE STORY:
A bright 14 year old Kanchana attends our Good Shepherd School and her family lives in a large broken culvert in the outskirts of Hyderabad. Recently, she proudly declared with a twinkle in her eyes, “I want to become a doctor and serve the poor.” Kanchana just graduated from our high school and she hopes to attend College and realize her dream.
This year, 48 students graduated from our Good Shepherd Schools and all of them have set their goals high. Their teachers are confident that all these Dalit young people will make academic history and prove to the world that they are second to none and can learn any language, technology, or science.
Project Goal: The construction of a school is $100,000.
Provide a classroom: $15,000
Provide a brick: $1 provides two bricks (Goal: 200,000 bricks)
The School facility provides education for the children and also becomes a lighthouse for the entire community. Without these facilities a Dalit child will never receive an education or an opportunity to advance in life. Each classroom changes countless lives each and every year. The bricks that go into making the school are made by the Dalits themselves, and then the Dalits and Sudras construct the school. You can join them in the construction for this school by purchasing as many bricks as you can. Every brick supports the education of these children.
Village Description:
Most of the families from this Dalit village are farmers and manual labourers. Many of the women roll beedis (local cigarettes) in their homes. Some Dalits are given irregular employment by the government in jobs such as digging canals or construction work for the village.
The new school for the Dalit children is an exciting opportunity for the entire village. The land has been purchased and the water well has been dug. The construction of the new school is ready to take place.
In July 2008, forty-two Kindergarten children began studying in a rented facility for the first year. The children are excited to hear that a new school will soon be constructed for them. Additional grade levels will be added when the new school is completed.
LIFE STORY:
Pushpa, one of our parents, lost her husband due to illness. For a living she rolls beedis at home. She has three children and with her meager income she is not able to make ends meet. Her son, who is 6 years old is studying in Kindergarten. The hope that her children can have an education encourages Pushpa greatly.