Ecole de Wayanad Girijana Seva Trust
A Small Write Up
Wayanad Girijana Seva Trust a Charitable institution was registered in 2002 with the Prime and ultimate objective of contributing to the process of Education, with focus on re-schooling the school Drop-Outs among the Children hailing from the impoverished Tribal (Aboriginal) Communities in Wayanad District. As the first step towards achieving the objective the Trust started the Vivekananda Residential Tribal school in 2002 (Accredited by National Institute of Open Schooling, HRD Ministry Government of India), admitting 42 Children.
As of now we have 148 children studying in classes 1 to VIII. The school gives them food, clothing, shelter and study materials absolutely free.
On analyzing the peculiar problem of school dropouts in Tribal Societies, we come to the inference that it is abject poverty combined with lack of consciousness and geographical barriers that created an inhibitive environment wherein a vast majority of Tribal children inevitably end up drop- outs. In societies chronically plagued by mass deprivation and starvation education becomes the first casualty. Residential scholastic education thus becomes imperative. The school is located at Mattilayam, one of the most backward Areas devoid of the basic amenities of life such as health Care, water supply, electricity etc in Wayanad Dist. Kerala. The Tribal communities who though once demographically constituted 95% of the Population are today just 20%.
The school now functions in thatched make-shift structure. Sree Ramakrishnamutt, Kolkotta was magnanimous in funding, the construction of RCC building originally meant for 3 Class rooms of "20 x 20"x 12 which now serves as the hostel for the inmates and also as the office-cum-store room, construction of another 3 class rooms are under progress. The community hall, also sponsored by them fulfils the community needs. Thanks to the generous intervention by some humanitarian organizations, a solid hostel building for Girls, measuring 4500sq. ft. is in finishing stage. When the school grows to its full potential, the strength of inmates will be over 300, of which over 150 will be girls. The immediate task, definitely of stupendous proportion is having a solid school building and also a hostel building for boys. Apparently this requires huge investment. For carrying on and sustaining the activities we entirely rely on donations emanating from individuals and organizations who identify themselves with the humanitarian ideals. The average monthly recurring expenses at the bare minimum come to Rs.65000/-. The 12 supportive staff, including 9 teachers are paid honorarium. All of them normally reside with the inmates till today not a single paise in grant in aid received from Government. Besides academic education, the school also imparts vocational training in embroidery, tailoring and making bamboo products with the objective of equipping the children simultaneously with skills. Preserving and promoting Tribal artisanship is our professed goal. The Trust which already has 2.5 acres of own school land was also planned for acquiring 2.acres land so that a spacious play ground , medicinal garden and 'goshala' (diary farm) can be developed.
You will find here children belonging to the primitive Tribes Like Kattunaikas and also some who bear with them the stigma of unwed mothers.
The trust earnestly appeals to all those who cherish humanitarian values and share the commitment to the cause of marginalized and under privileged Tribal communities to extend a helping hand which alone will help us survive and sustain.
The main challenge faced by us in running and sustaining the school is to ensure uninterrupted supply of food items to inmates and also to pay Honorarium to 12 staff members including teaching and other supportive staff.
As you are aware of these inmates hail from poverty stricken Tribal Societies and it is our earnest endeavor to keep them fed.
Thanking You.
Yours Sincerely
FOR WAYANAD GIRIJANA SEVA TRUST
CHAIRMAN
