Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal SAVIDYA UPASAMITI 2012 – 13

1 Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal SAVIDYA UPASAMITI 2012 – 13

PROJECT RENEWAL PROPOSAL

Kalyan Ghatak & Ravi Rajagopalan 18th Apr 2012 1 Introduction Project Overview

 The Savidya Upasmiti project seeks to improve the quality of school education in the Champawat region of Uttarakhand by improving the resources in the public schools, and by increasing awareness in the local community regarding the importance of education and the people’s right to quality education.

 The project is managed and run by the Himalaya Water Service Tatha Vikas Avam Paryavaran Sanrakshan Samiti (HWSTVAPSS) and has been funded by the Silicon Valley chapter of Asha For Education (Asha-SV) since the project’s inception in 2005.  The following slides contain:  A report of the project activities during 2011-12, and  A proposal to continue funding the project during 2012-13.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Project History

 The Savidya-Upasamiti project started as a Support-A-School project in 2005-06. Funds were provided to augment the resources in a Primary School in Kulethi, Champawat. These include appointment of additional teachers, improvement of school infrastructure, distribution of school uniforms and study kits to the students, etc.  By 2007-08, the project had expanded to support 6 schools. Adjacent programs, such as teacher training workshops and vocational training, were introduced to enhance the impact of the Support-A-School program.  By 2010-11, Savidya had eliminated the less effective project components and stopped supporting schools that did not perform as per expectations.  As of 2011-12, the project supports 7 schools, and includes experiential learning programs, teacher training workshops and community outreach efforts.  Between 2005-11, Asha-SV has provided grants of ~$155,000 to the project.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Project Goals

 Primary goals  Improve the quality of education in the public schools  Increase awareness among the students’ parents/guardians and the community regarding education and its benefits  Secondary goals  Involve the local community in the management of the schools and project efforts and, thereby, make them responsible for the project outcomes  Impress upon the Govt. and the relevant agencies of the need to improve infrastructure and resources in the public school and to better monitor the performance of the teachers  Seek alternate sources of project funding

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Project Status [1]

 Achievements  Infrastructure and teaching resources have been improved at every Savidya-supported school  Academic performances have improved in the Savidya- supported schools  There is increased collaboration between the community, Savidya, school management and the Govt. agencies  Inspired by Savidya, private individuals and organizations have created trusts/programs to fund/launch various educational initiatives in the region

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Project Status [2]

 Concerns  Community participation/awareness remain below expectations. Savidya’s successes have not inspired the local community to act in other public schools.  The inertia of officials in the local Govt. agencies is a major hindrance to the administrative reform of the public schools.  Despite the project’s achievements and the favourable publicity it has received over the years, Savidya has been unable to find an alternate source of funding.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Organizational Information

 HWSTVAPSS was established in 1998. The Savidya Upasamiti was started in July 2004. The parent organization, HWSTVAPSS, is a registered body, and has been allotted a renewal registration number 73/2004-2005 by the Haldwani Office of Registrar of Societies, Uttarakhand, under the Indian Societies Act. (The original registration no. of HWSTVAPSS is 758/1997/1998. The final renewal/extension is from Champawat District office in 2008.)  HWSTVAPSS has received the FCRA certification from the Govt. of India.

 Contact information  @Savidya Dr. HD Bist ([email protected])  @Asha-SV Kalyan Ghatak ([email protected])

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Flashback: 2005-11

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 2 2011-12 Project Update Overview

 In 2011-12, the Savidya project included

 Support-A-School program  Learning Resource Center  Teachers’ Training Workshops  Siddha Jagaran Seva

 Since Savidya had money left over from previous years and Asha-SV was short of funds, no money was sent to Savidya during 2011-12. Savidya cut down on many aspects of the project so as to sustain the Support-A-School program.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Support-A-School [1]

 Savidya supported 7 schools in the Champawat area by appointing additional teachers to the schools.

 Savidya organizes health camps for the students, and distributes school uniforms, books and study kits to the students.

 Savidya also advises 5 other schools in the region.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Support-A-School [2]

 Govt. Primary School, Kulethi  Adopted in 2005-06  84 students, 3 Govt.-appointed teachers  Savidya appointed 3 teachers: Prakash Punetha, Ashok Kumar Tamta, Tanuja Punetha  4 students selected for admission to the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalay, Champawat  Govt. Junior High School, Dungra Sethi  Adopted in 2006-07  78 students, 4 Govt.-appointed teachers  Savidya appointed 1 teacher: Lalit Singh  New furniture added to all the classrooms  Savidya has been making plans to organize coaching classes for the National Talent Search Examination

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Support-A-School [3]

 Govt. Primary School, Dhakna  Adopted in 2007-08  61 students, 2 Govt.-appointed teachers  One teacher was appointed by the Govt. in 2011-12  Savidya appointed 3 teachers: Chandra Joshi, Lakshmi Badola, Shakuntala Chaudhary  2 new classrooms were added to the school  Govt. Middle School, Khark Karkee  Adopted in 2007-08  81 students, 2 Govt.-appointed teachers  Savidya appointed 2 teachers: Bhuvan Punetha, Lalit Singh  Savidya persuaded the School Principal and District Education Officer (DEO) to split Class-VI into two sections  Very active participation by students’ parents and guardians

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Support-A-School [4]

 Govt. Primary School, Dungra Sethi  Adopted in 2007-08  35 students, 1 Govt.-appointed teachers  Savidya appointed 3 teachers: Babita Chaudhary, Bhagwat Chaudhary, Asha Bohra  2 students selected for admission to the Rajeev Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Champawat  The School Principal was feted by the State and Central Govts.  Govt. Primary School, Khark Karkee  Adopted in 2008-09  113 students, 2 Govt.-appointed teachers  Savidya appointed 2 teachers: Hemalata, Deepak Tamta  A new school building was constructed in 2011-12

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Support-A-School [5]

 Govt. Primary School, Dhakna-Bhadola

 Adopted in 2009-10

 38 students, 2 Govt.-appointed teachers

 Savidya appointed 2 new teachers: Muktesh Pachauly, Jiwan Chandra Paneru

 Other activities

 Health camps were conducted at all the schools where students were given Hepatitis-B vaccines. The students were also given a 90-day supply of Liv-52, de-worming tablets and multivitamins. Eye tests were also conducted.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Learning Resource Center [1]

 Library  The library is housed within the premises of the PP Kulethi.  The library currently holds over 2,500 books and a number of charts and models.  Most of the books are used by students from local schools, including non-Savidya-supported schools.  The parents/guardians of students in the Savidya-supported schools can access the books free of charge. The parents are encouraged to access the library. By targeting the parents, Savidya hopes to create an environment in the children’s homes that is more conducive to their learning. Savidya feels that if the parents can discover the joy of reading, they may be more inclined to encourage their children to continue their education.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Learning Resource Center [2]

Month Books issued to students from Books issued to [2011] Savidya-schools Other schools Guardians Teachers January Holiday 48 12 16 February 180 45 15 13 March 185 28 9 11 April 155 18 7 14 May 145 20 11 10 June 210 30 6 17 July 170 15 9 12 August 165 12 10 13 September 140 15 8 23 October 175 14 18 13 November 165 15 11 23 December 100 12 11 15

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Learning Resource Center [3]

 Science Resource Center  The SRC is housed within the premises of the PP Kulethi. It was built in 2007 with funds provided through the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) in 2007, that were facilitated by Capt. Satish Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP.  In 2008, the Center was equipped with scientific models and experiment kits. The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK), and Shiksha Sopan, an NGO managed by IITK faculty and students, helped get the Centre up and running.  The Science Center has over 125 experiment kits that demonstrate various scientific experiments to students from the Savidya-supported schools and other local schools.  A number of visitors, especially from academia, visit the Science Center and give talks on various scientific topics.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Teachers Training [1]

 In 2008, Savidya organized a 15-day workshop to train teachers – Savidya-appointed and Govt.-appointed.  In 2010, Savidya formed Knowledge Clubs that comprised of local active/retired teachers, academicians, bureaucrats, scientists, doctors etc. Members of the Knowledge Clubs visit the Savidya-supported schools for 2 days every month. The Knowledge Club members are given an honorarium for their effort.  The Knowledge Clubs have 2 advantages:  The training and evaluation is done in-class and is customized for each teacher, and  The involvement of local community members in the teachers’ training increases the community participation in the project.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Teachers Training [2]

 Knowledge Club members: Champawat-based  Dr. DD Joshi, Dr. BD Suteri, Dr. TR Joshi, Dr. BD Joshi, Dr. KB Saktra, Dr. DN Tiwari, PC Pandey, Girish Chandra, Yudhishtir Joshi, BD Fulara, Inder Singh Bora, GB Rasyara, Narayan Ram Tamta, Kamlesh Rasyara, Amar Nath Verma, Shankar Datt Pandey, Dr. HD Bist, Dr. GB Bisht, Dr. PB Bisht, Tribhuwan Bisht  Knowledge Club members: Others  Dr. KK Pandey, Dr. CS Mathela, Dr. RK Pant, RD Joshi, Dr. AK Pant, Dr. AK Gohar, Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Dr. HS Dhami, Dr. Praveen Singh Bisht, Dr. MS Bhandari

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Siddha Jagaran Seva

 Savidya organized an event to mark the National Science Day (28 Feb).

 Savidya organizes meetings of the Management and Development Committees (MDC) of the adopted schools to monitor the school performances and develop suggestions for the District Education Officer (DEO).

 Savidya organises workshops, conferences, Kisan Melas (in conjunction with the Kisan Vikas Kendra of the GBPant University of Agriculture & Technology) and lectures by eminent people to increase awareness among parents of the studnets and the community regarding the importance of education, the students/parents rights and other issues.

 Savidya also celebrated the World Environment Day on 5 Jun 2011 by planting saplings in the premises of the Savidya-supported schools.

 Savidya also organized cleanliness drives in the schools and the villages in the Champawat region.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 MDC Meetings [1]

24 School Dates Main Topics PP Kulethi 11 Jul 2011 • Maintenance of roof and computers • Appointment of new teachers • Construction of boundary wall 26 Nov 2011 • Construction of computer room • Appointment of new teachers PP Dungra Sethi 19 Oct 2011 • Maintenance of roof and gate • Appointment of new teacher 27 Sep 2011 • Construction of a kitchen PP Dhakna-Bhadola 11 Jul 2011 • Maintenance of roof • Appointment of new teacher 25 Aug 2011 • Construction of staff room • Maintenance of computers • Purchase of games equipment

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 MDC Meetings [2]

25 School Dates Main Topics PP Dhakna 18 Jul 2011 • Construction of boundary wall • Secure electric supply for the school 27 Sep 2011 • Maintenance of computers PP Khark Karkee 9 Jul 2011 • Appointment of new teachers 17 Oct 2011 • Appointment of new teachers MP Dungra Sethi 11 Jul 2011 • Construction of kitchen and boundary wall • Maintenance of school toilets 18 Oct 2011 • Construction of guest house MP Khark Karkee 15 June 2011 • Appointment of new computer teacher • Purchase of computer printer 11 Aug 2011 • Maintenance of computers

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 NSD Celebrations [1]

 Between 27-29 Feb 2012, Savidya organized various events to mark the National Science Day.

 Academicians and scientists from 3 neighboring institutes and universities and ARIES Nainital attended the event.

 Events were organized at the Savidya-supported schools and common functions at the grounds of the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Champawat and in the halls of the Govt. Girls Intermediate College, Champawat. These events allow Savidya to showcase their efforts to Govt. officials and the local community.

 Savidya released a magazine that details their efforts in improving the educational facilities in the region.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 NSD Celebrations [2]

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Achievements [1]

 Navodaya Vidyala Examinations  Savidya provides after-school coaching for students in Class-V  Improved performance by students from Savidya-supported schools in entrance examinations to the Navodaya Vidyala  In 2010-11, 2 students were selected  In 2011-12, 6 students were selected  The successful students are:  Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Champawat: Yuvraj Tamta, Saurabh Tamta, Rekha Bisht, Jyoti Tamta (all students from Primary School, Kulethi)  Rajeev Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Champawat: Gaurav Singh Chaudhary, Ravindra Singh Chaudhary (all students from Primary School, Dungra Sethi)

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Achievements [2]

29  Student achievements  Chandrashekhar Chaudhary, a student from the MP Dungra Sethi, was selected for participation in the Uttarakhand Childrens Science Congress.  Awards  Mrs. Shasti Pande, Principal – Govt. Primary School, Dungra Sethi, received the Shailesh Matiyani State Teachers’ Award. She was one of 26 teachers who were honoured with the award by the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand at the State Science Festival organized at MKP Inter College in Dehradun on 9 Nov 2011.  Mrs. Shasti Pande shall also receive a National Award for teaching. This award shall be presented by the President of India on 5 Sep 2012. Mrs. Pande shall receive a Silver Medal, a Certificate of Merit and a cash award of Rs. 25,000.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Site Visit [1]

 A site visit report was submitted by 4 students from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies who spent 3 weeks at the Champawat in Jan 2012.  Positives:  Positive attitude of parents towards their children’s education  Improved academic performance  Recognition by DEO and State Govt. of Savidya’s efforts  Concerns:  Parent and community awareness and support remain below expectations  Teacher retention

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012

Site Visit [2]

 Recommendations:  Increase teacher salaries,  Urge the DEO to recognize the work experience of the Savidya- appointed teachers,  Introduce personality development programs in the schools,  Include an English trainer for at the teacher training workshops, and  Subscribe to Hindi and English newspapers and periodicals to encourage students to read.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Administrative

 Mr. Heera Ballabh Kuletha took over as the Champawat- based Project Manager.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 3 2012-13 Project Proposal Overview

 Continue program components from 2011-12

 Higher priority on teachers’ retention and training, and data collection & analysis

 Fringe components to be requested in alternate years

 Total funds requested for 2012-13: Rs. 1,617,200.

 This is an increase of ~2.3% from 2011-12.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Support-A-School [1]

School # Students Govt.-appointed Savidya-appointed Teachers Teachers PP Kulethi 90 2 3

PP Dungra Sethi 35 1 3

PP Dhakna 125 2 2

PP Bhadola 38 2 2

PP Khark Kharkee 113 2 2

MP Dungra Sethi 78 4 2

MP Khark Kharkee 81 4 2

560 16

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Support-A-School [2]

2012-13 Budget Total [Rs.] Teachers • Salaries: 6 Teachers X Rs. 4,500pm X 12 months 324,000 • Salaries: 10 Teachers X Rs. 4,000pm X 12 months 480,000 Students • Study kits: 560 X Rs. 200 ea. 112,000 • Health checkups: 560 X Rs. 225 ea. 126,000 1,042,000 Note • The Govt.-appointed teachers are paid ~Rs. 20,000 pm, and the teachers in the private schools are paid ~Rs. 5,000–10,000 pm. The teacher salaries have been increased to reflect ground realities and to minimize the chances of losing the teachers due to low salaries. Teacher retention has traditionally been the biggest concern in the project. The increase in teacher salaries is offset by eliminating the position of Project Manager, Support-A-School program, and by postponing the distribution of student uniforms and purchase of games/sports equipment to 2013-14.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Support-A-School [3]

2011-12 Budget Total [Rs.] Teachers • Salaries: 16 Teachers X Rs. 3,000pm X 12 months 576,000 Students • Uniforms: 502 X Rs. 650 ea. 326,300 • Health checkups: 502 X Rs. 225 ea. 112,950 • Games / Sports equipment 47,400 Personnel • Project Manager: 1 X Rs. 4,000pm 48,000 1,110,650

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Learning Resource Center [1]

2012-13 Budget Total [Rs.] Personnel • Librarian @ Rs. 3,500pm 42,000 • Curator, Science Resource Center @ Rs. 3,500pm 42,000 • Manager, Science Resource Center @ Rs. 4,000pm 48,000 Others • Library books: 0 0 • Equipment for Science Center @ Rs. 40,000 40,000 172,000

Note • The salaries of the Librarian, Curator and Manager have been increased to minimize the chances of their seeking alternate employment due to the low salaries offered by Savidya.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Learning Resource Center [2]

2011-12 Budget Total [Rs.] Personnel • Librarian @ Rs. 2,000pm 24,000 • Curator, Science Resource Center @ Rs. 2,800pm 33,600 • Manager, Science Resource Center @ Rs. 3,800pm 45,600 Others • Library books: 0 0 • Equipment for Science Center @ Rs. 50,000 50,000 153,200

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Siddha Jagaran Seva [1]

2012-13 Budget Total [Rs.] Events • National Science Day @ Rs. 40,000 40,000 • Other events @ Rs. 20,000 20,000 Meetings • 6 meetings at each of the 7 adopted schools @ Rs. 200 ea. 8,400 68,400 Note • The NSD celebrations are Savidya’s primary PR events, and allow Savidya to publicize its activities among the community, Govt. officials and private enterprises. The increased allocation allows Savidya to expand its publicity efforts and meet increasing event expenses. • Other events refers to all the events that Savidya organizes/celebrates, such as Independence Day, Republic Day, etc. In addition, this line item includes hospitality-related expenses that Savidya incurs when external guests/organizations visit the project. These visits have helped spread news of Savidya’s activities within and outside the state of Uttarakhand. This accounts for the increased allocation.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Siddha Jagaran Seva [2]

2011-12 Budget Total [Rs.] Events • National Science Day @ Rs. 30,000 30,000 • World Environment Day @ Rs. 7,500 7,500 Meetings • 4 meetings in the year @ Rs. 400 ea. 1,600 39,100

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Teachers’ Training Workshop [1]

2012-13 Budget Total [Rs.] Training Session • 1 Session = 1 Coordinator + 7 Teachers (All Knowledge Club members) • 2 days/month X 7 months @ Rs. 400/day/person 44,800 44,800

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Teachers’ Training Workshop [2]

2011-12 Budget Total [Rs.] Workshop • 27-day workshop for 16 teachers • Workshop Coordinator: Rs. 6,000 6,000 • 1 HR: Rs. 3,000 3,000 • 1 Guest Lecturer: Rs. 4,500 4,500 • Stationary: Rs. 3,800 3,800 • Refreshments: Rs. 600/day 16,200 35,500

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Administrative Expenses [1]

2012-13 Budget Total [Rs.] Personnel • Program Coordinator @ Rs. 12,500pm 150,000 • Office Assistant @ Rs. 6,000pm 72,000 Others • Office expenses @ Rs. 4,000 pm 48,000 • Site visit expenses @ Rs. 20,000 (max. estimate) 20,000 290,000 Note • The Office Assistant shall collect data from the Savidya-supported schools and other schools to help analyze the impact of Savidya’s Support-A-School program. This task had been assigned to the Support- A-School Project Manager. This position has been eliminated in 2012-13, and the responsibilities shall be shared by the Program Coordinator and the Office Assistant. The Office Assistant’s increased salary reflects the increased responsibilities. • The site visit expenses are not included in the project grant. They shall be paid to the individual(s) who conduct the site visit. They have been included here to estimate the total project budget.

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Administrative Expenses [2]

2011-12 Budget Total [Rs.] Personnel • Program coordinator @ Rs. 12,500pm 150,000 • Office assistant @ Rs. 3,000pm 36,000 Others • Office expenses @ Rs. 3,500 pm 42,000 • Site visit expenses @ Rs. 15,000 15,000 243,000

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012 Budget

Component 2012-13 2011-12 [Rs.] [Rs.] Support-A-School 1,042,000 1,110,650 Learning Resource Center 172,000 153,200 Siddha Jagaran Seva 68,400 39,100 Teachers Training 44,800 35,500 Administrative Expenses 290,000 243,000 1,617,200 1,581,450 Note • The project grant due to Savidya-HWSTVAPSS in 2012-13 shall be Rs. 1,597,200 (ie. total project grant net of site visit expenses).

Savidya Upasamiti: 2012-13 Project Renewal 18 April 2012