Entries categorized as ‘Uncategorized’
January 17, 2009 · 1 Comment
With much sadness and disappointment we must inform you that the Sujata’s Dream website and Bakrour Village school project have been suspended indefinitely (most likely permanently).
We have run into impediments that made it impossible for us to continue working with the group at the village. After a long period of consternation and deliberation, the decision to terminate our work there was inevitable.
The children of Bakrour and Ganga Bigha villages remain in our minds and hearts. They continue to be trapped in extreme poverty, illiteracy and a social system rooted in inequality. We still hope to find, at some point in the future, a new way and place to help them access education, hope, opportunity, and a better quality of life.
Blessings and gratitude to all those who have supported the project thus far and have encouraged our work.
Peace,
Orna Locker
On behalf of the Seattle based volunteers of the Sujata’s Dream Project
Categories: Uncategorized
In a recent report from Sanjay, the school and the students are faring relatively well in this challenging time of the Monsoons. Attendance is down, as the excess water in the fields ushers in “paddy season”, (rice planting?), the busiest season for farmers. This means that ALL hands in the family are needed either in the fields or in watching over young ones, so many families cannot afford to spare their kids from the work load. It is the work in the fields at this time that will determine the amount of food available later in the year.
The rainy season with its floods and sewer back ups often brings with it higher incidents of water borne disease. It is part of the mixed blessing of the Monsoons. Also from Sanjay’s email:
“…life is [a] little difficult in [the] village during rainy season but people are habituated . We have not heard [of] any diarhea cases and one day we have called a doctor and made all children checked up. Of course some children are affected with seasonal fever but they got medicine…”
We cross our fingers that those who are ill will receive the care they need and heal fully, and that the rest will manage to stay well throughout the rainy season.
This brings to mind another dire need in the village — access to health care. In our visit there in January we learned that a basic visit to the doctor costs about 50Rs (about $1.00), which is about equivalent to a full day’s wages for most people in the village (any medicine would be additional cost), and more than they can afford to pay without sacrificing some of the already meager food for the day. As we provide access to basic education for the children, we are improving their chances of earning higher incomes as adults. This, coupled with support from caring people like you, could make access to medical care possible for the people of Bakrour and Ganga Bigha villages. You can help make this happen by making a donation toward the building and operations of the School. Please join us.
Categories: Ongoing Challenges and Opportunities in India · Updates about the School · Village Life
Hi all,
We found out recently that a young American student has been doing a service project teaching English at our school! What a great experience this must be. The Trust members and the children are very excited and grateful to have him there, and extend a very warm welcome to anyone who would like to come at any time to volunteer at the school and experience the warm and peaceful atmosphere of the village and nearby Bodhgaya. Think about it… This could be a great grounding end of a longer trip or pilgrimage, a personal learning experience, and a profound and rewarding service experience and encounter with another culture. If this sounds interesting and you would like more information, or to discuss possibilities and opportunities in volunteering at the Tathagat School, please contact us. We would be glad to help you with arrangements, information and recommendations.
Categories: Ongoing Challenges and Opportunities in India · Updates about the School
It’s hot in the village. As temperatures this time of year climb into the 100’s, activity in the village slows down to a minimum, in order to conserve energy and avoid heat stroke and dehydration. There are no air conditioners to alleviate the opressive heat. Learning under these conditions becomes extremely difficult. Earlier in May, school hours moved from the normal 9AM – 3PM schedule to a 6AM – 11AM schedule, to take advantage of the relatively cooler hours of the day. As things continue to heat up, according to a recent email from Ranjan, school is now taking a few weeks’ break, until June 6th.
Categories: Updates about the School · Village Life
