Education, whether it is formal or informal, is one of the pillars of every society or civilization. Education is also a human right. In recent years, education has been given top priority in human development, both in social and economic terms. India is often seen as a country which turns out highly trained professionals in various fields and yet lags behind in education. The current scenario paints a rather dismal picture of the situation, whereby the high dropout rates in Gujarat and in the whole country are seen as the challenge for education system.

In Gujarat, statistics indicate that 44.5% of all boys and 53.0% of all girls drop out before finishing the minimum eight years of elementary education, (Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development 2011). Considering that the majority of India’s population lives in rural areas, who are also poor, the importance of rural education as an engine of development become obvious.

In Chhota Udepur

The education scenario in the tribal area of Chhota Udepur, working area of SFT, is somewhat similar. The need was felt to build capacities of the teachers and to increase interaction with parents and leaders thereby bringing them on the same platform to promote education and create learning environment. Thus the school support program was intensified.

School support program in Chhota Udepur area was extended to 10 schools. 190 parents and 53 teachers were reached through various meetings. The purpose was to provide necessary facilities in coordination with the government, to emphasize on maintaining cleanliness and to improve quality of education. Elocution competition was organized among students of 10 schools. The topics were ‘Importance of Festivals’ and ‘Cleanliness’. 86 students participated in the competition. 30 students who spoke well were encouraged by awarding prizes. Such competitions helped in boosting their confidence to come up on the stage and speak in the public.

A Science and Mathematics fair was organized at Chhota Udepur in collaboration with 16 primary schools of Khadakvada. Each school exhibited their projects on drip irrigation. The fair was attended by teachers and students of 75 schools and leaders of the community and was widely appreciated. Teachers and students of these schools were given guidance for various games and helped with the process of participating in Khel Mahakumbh Mela, organized by Gujarat govt. Efforts were made to help these children to come forward in the field of sports. Thus SFT is making an effort to mainstream these children in different fields through school support program.

In Kalali, Purvi Balmandir

Purvi Balmandir, a nursery school, which has been adopted by Transpek Industries Ltd. is located near the slums of Atladara, Vadodara. The school is being managed by Shroffs Foundation Trust. Children from surrounding areas attend the school. This year 52 children were admitted. Throughout the year, the emphasis has been on informal but innovative method of teaching, which has proved to work well with small children. This was done by organizing various field trips, celebration of festivals, cultural program, competitions and vacation workshops. During the year Sports and Annual Day Function were celebrated at Kalali campus. They were attended by the parents, Shroffs Foundation Trust’s management and staff and invited guests. Prizes and gifts were distributed at the end of the program.