Tamasoma jyotir gamaya Empowering remote rural India

Through education comes faith in one’s own Self, and through faith in one’s own Self, the inherent Brahman wakes up

While India may be an emerging powerhouse, certain fundamental issues continue to bog down the south Asian tiger. Topping the list are age-old culprits - education and infrastructure. Despite many sincere public and private initiatives (including the recent right to education bill which was passed in August 2009), 40% of India’s burgeoning billions continue to remain illiterate, with a mere 15% accessing secondary education and 7% progressing to tertiary level. Though the urbanised middle class has latched on to the education bandwagon, the rural areas have been left far behind. The economic hiatus has thus made child labour and exploitation a rampant problem.

The gloomy outlook however, has spurred a group of idealistic Sydneysiders to rally behind an urgent cause. Dr Nihal Agar, Jayendra Shah and Anil Yadav, who founded Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation’s (EVF) Australian chapter, have been lobbying hard not only to raise the profile of this issue, but generate funds to eradicate it. Since then the tight knit team has grown substantially, including among its ranks dedicated volunteers, young and old.

Formed in 2004, EVF Australia is part of a global network of Indians committed to making education the fundamental right of every child; particularly for those in far flung, remote villages, disadvantaged and tribal areas, where quality of life is virtually non existent.

Their ambition is to initiate and sustain as many Ekal Vidyalayas as possible and their modus operandi – collect Rs 16,000 or $480, the seed money to start one such school.

So what is an Ekal Vidyalaya?

Quite simply, a one teacher (ekal) school, according to the founders.

Basically, the teacher who is well regarded and trained community member runs the school under a tree, 4-5 times a week, at a time mutually convenient to all students, so they don’t have to miss their family commitments or schedules. The curriculum, which is taught in the native dialect, is also localized, need based, broad framework and non academic, which will set them up for daily life, Jay Shah told Indian Link

Once established, we support the vidyalaya (school) for 5 years after which it becomes self sustaining. While we ask our donors for ongoing support, it is not compulsory, Shah added.

“What we hope to do is empower remote villages, so they make the most of their circumstances and surroundings. At present, illiteracy and lack of employment opportunities are forcing villagers to move to city fringes in search of greener pastures, putting a strain on creaking infrastructure. We hope to reverse this trend by creating new pathways in their own spheres, he explained.

Ekal schools, according to Shah, strive to give an education that is not mere book learning but rather the assimilation of lifebuilding, man-making, character-building ideas. The influx of new ideas filtered through familiar channels helps make learning dynamic and fun.

“Our vision is to facilitate/encourage sponsorship of Ekal Schools by Indians and other residents of Sydney and Australia by making them aware of this noble cause and project.”

“Basically we are a humanistic group, completely non political and non hierarchic, with no specific religious moorings. We are very passionate about our cause and ensure that very little administrative costs are involved in our fundraising efforts”, Shah further added.

For us Indian Australians, donation can be a form of voluntary HECS. Most of us have benefited from our mother country and it is a small token to repay and thereby empower the less fortunate brethren, Shah argues.

At present, EVF Australia has through active fundraising supported 350 schools across India. Its sponsors are mainly philanthropic individuals as well are larger corporates like Westpac, Woolies, ISS Temple in Blacktown to name a few.

Being a registered voluntary organisation, since 2007, all donations are tax deductible.

“This move has improved our profile, making it attractive for donors as well”, Shah adds happily.

Besides direct sponsorship, EVF runs an annual flagship event – Ekal Nite. For the past 4 years, this community event has raised substantial funds.

The group has attracted a lot of youngsters lately, mainly school and college students hoping to plough back into a society they have benefited from. In fact, some of their young volunteers have individually raised up to $4000 through charity events and school activities.

Globally, the movement hopes to help eradicate illiteracy from rural and tribal

Casual position Sports Coaching

Upper north shore private school looking for interested coaches in Cricket and Football (soccer). This is a casual position.

The successful candidate will be required to work during school hours for training and on Saturdays for the matches.

Pay will depend upon level of expertise and experience.

Ring 0409 966 363 or email scottg@knox.nsw.edu.au