Roots Foundation in Partnership with Chaukhamba junior high school, Ukhimath

When we set up Roots Foundation in July 2020, we had no idea where and how we could take this initiative forward. We just had a simple thought, which was to make a difference in life by supporting girl child education in the hill state of Uttarakhand.

With the unwavering support of our donors and partners, this year Roots Foundation managed to reach a remote school in the small village Mansoona in Ukhimath in the state of Uttarakhand, India.

Village Mansoona in Ukhimath

Ukhimath is a charming small town in Uttarakhand, India that offers a unique combination of religion, adventure, and nature. It is situated at an elevation of 1,311 meters and at a distance of 41 km from Rudraprayag. It is a picturesque town situated at an elevation of 1,317 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and pristine rivers; it is a very popular location for tourists and pilgrimage seekers.

The local people of this town are known for their hospitality and warmth. There are about 189 houses in Mansoona village with a population of approx 900 people.

The people in the village of Mansoona are hard-working and self-sufficient; however, they don’t earn much, and most of their earnings come from labouring, farming, herding, and other activities.

Literacy rate of Mansoona village is 65.% out of which 75% males and 56% females are literate.

Chaukhamba junior high school, Mansoona

A semi-government school called Chaukhamba junior high school was set up by the village administration in the year…………..

This junior school with a total strength of 56 students is a beacon of hope for the education of children in the area. It is mainly managed by the people of the village. The school gets support from the government in the form of appointment of teachers, providing mid-day meals for the students, assisting in hiring teachers, and providing students uniforms, ensuring every child has access to basic educational necessities.

The school offers classes from nursery to 8th standard, providing education to children from a young age.

How did the project start

The project started when we learned about the town of Ukhimath, and the fact that this small village school was struggling with infrastructure. Despite having low per capita income, the local people of the village are supporting their children’s education. Knowing this gives them a strong foundation for their education and helps them to build at least a basic knowledge of their own to work towards the future for themselves and their families. The teachers and staff work closely with the students, providing individual attention and support, helping them to reach their full potential. As soon as we got to know the conditions of the school and the motive of the villagers, we chose this as our next project.

Our goal was to transform the school into a modern, inspiring learning environment that would empower the students and their families, and we did our best to complete this project in a small way.

Infrastructure at Chaukhamba junior high school, Mansoona

The school had basic needs taken care of by the villagers and teachers,midday meals by the government, but the infrastructure needed to improve.

The school had five classrooms. However, the quality of the infrastructure could have been better. The school walls needed a plastering, fresh coat of paint, proper windows, flooring and were in disrepair.

One of the most pressing issues was the need for proper seating arrangements. The classrooms were without adequate benches, leaving students to sit on the floor during lessons. The floors were also in poor condition, with missing flooring that needed to be replaced.

This presented a major challenge for the teachers and students alike, as the environment needs to foster a productive and comfortable learning atmosphere. The lack of basic amenities and proper maintenance made it difficult for the school to provide quality education.

We started with transforming the school into a modern, inspiring learning environment that would empower the students and their families, and we are proud to say we have achieved that with the help of its principal and teachers logistical help.

Here’s a brief overview of what we have done and why we did it:

– We merged two classrooms into one, as the new room was designed for a bright and airy learning space that promotes collaboration and creativity

– After merging the rooms, we fixed the walls and added new sturdy new walls and a reinforced ceiling to ensure the safety and security of every student, and the addition of modern floor tiles provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

– These are some of the many changes we have made at the Chaukhamba Junior high school of Ukhimath, Uttarakhand.

Impact of our work on the students

– The impact of this project has been profound, providing students with access to safe and comfortable classrooms fully equipped with modern furnishings.

– The once lackluster learning environment has been transformed into a bright and welcoming space, where students are now eager to attend school and focus on their studies.

– This small but significant renovation is just the beginning of a positive change for the students and community of Ukhimath. We hope to inspire others to take action and make a difference in their communities. With your continued support and partnership, we aspire to undertake larger-scale projects in the future.

Bringing this project to life was a joyous journey for the Roots Foundation team, and we look forward to the many more positive changes we can bring to the lives of others with your help.

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