Dalit Freedom Network Canada

This month, in lieu of writing a Project update we are inviting you to share your thoughts, opinions, and stories. We are asking you to write a comment on this page telling us and other readers why you support this particular project. What is it about desks that interests you? What made you decide to get involved?

The staff of DFN Canada truly believes that you are as much a part of what is happening in India as we are. We are very thankful to have you as part of the team.

Let us know why this cause caught your attention!

As you can see in the top right corner of this page, we are nearly halfway to our goal of buying 200 desks! Thank you to all of you who have helped us achieve this 43%. As the previous posts all say, there is still a huge need for desks both at new and growing schools. Let’s keep raising funds for this valuable project!

VLK school currently only has desks for their two eldest classes, grades 3 and 4. While the school is very thankful that the older children have benches and tables, the younger students continue to sit on the floor for all their lessons. Because it is uncomfortable and cramped, sitting on the floor makes it difficult for the students to concentrate. The school manager has submitted a proposal for sufficient desks for all students; now they await the necessary funding. 

When the DFN schools meet in rented buildings, and often for the first few years in their own building, there are no desks. Once the school acquires desks, the students shift from sitting on the floor, practically on top of one another, to sitting comfortably and proudly. This change is significant not only for the students, but also for the surrounding community: they begin to see the school as legitimate once it has all the amenities, and are then more interested in sending their own children to study there. Desks are such a small addition to a school, but they make a huge difference!