Sahanivasa, 15 year old success story of education to all Sadhana Kyathappala, Mamta Naidu and Melli Annamalai

Goals, Approach of Sahanivasa 1) Sahanivasa started the centers in high schools to reduce drop outs (due to migration and lack of guidance) and later extended it to primary schools. The goal is to assist the students with homework and make sure the students do not drop out. 2) Sahanivasa and APVVU have been involved with protecting the rights of dalits and other villagers in Chittoor district. Approach: The centers run before and after the school hours. It is usually 7-30 to 9-30 am in the morning and 4-30 to 6 pm in the evening. Even before NREGA act, Sahanivasa was involved in efforts to increase the minimum wages as a group. After NREGA came into effect ,they started to proactively work towards effectively implementing the act in 8 blocks of Chittoor district. Asha supported this NREGA awareness campaign to train and increase awareness about the law.

Milestones in pictures From Rajeev Annaluru’s (2013), Padmava (2014) and Sadhana’s (2017) site visits Gangadhara Nellore High School The school building and the chart for the career path English and Telegu medium Class 9 Students

Milestones in pictures Kalepalli High School Class 8 Students Computer Lab Vepenjari High School Classes happening outside. Exams going on for Class 10

Milestones in pictures Kurchivedu Primary school: The school building and the students Annakalle Primary school Yellapalli Primary school

Milestones in pictures NREGA Collaboration Goal: To create awareness and implement NREGA act by educating village leaders and Block Development Officers (BDO) across 80+ villages in the Chittoor district. Approach: To help Mandal NREGA leaders and young representatives (“mates”) apply for NREGA work, ensure jobs cards are properly distributed and the NREGA money is paid on time. Also, efforts were made to distribute lands across villagers who do not have lands and (were/are being) exploited by landlords. Achievements: Through correct implementation of NREGA, the income of dalit villagers has increased 1.5-2 times. As these villagers become aware of their right to work and get paid right wages, exploitation by landlords who do not follow the law goes down, with enough funds to educate their kids and move their family towards more stable lives.

More milestones in pictures During a site visit Children on Educational Tour Educational aids all around Showing off their nursery rhymes

Summary of Milestones 1) Sahanivasa has been successful in ensuring access to education for all students in the areas they serve. 2) Their success is measured by a) The high % (98.6%) of students who passed 10th Std exams in 2016 from 50-60% when they began 15 years ago. b) Their ability to stop closure of 38/ 42 schools targeted by the AP government. 3) Their ability to implement the NREGA act in their villages by collaborating with their community leaders, so the family incomes increase, where by they can afford to ensure their children attend schools regularly.

Testimonials of former Sahanivasa students 1) Mr. Somashekar, is a junior lecturer  who teaches Botany in the Chaitanya  Narayana corporate college after his  postgraduation in M.Sc. Botany. He  explains in the video (given in link below) that "I  come from dalit  and   agricultural workers  family background in Mukkalathur village where Sahanivasa  conducted classes for high school students. I was student in 2006 in their 10th class.  I have developed confidence and hope for my future after I joined classes run by Sahanivasa. With their support, I have become a lecturer. Many of my  seniors in 10th class before SAHANIVASA conducted special  classes,  failed and landed up as agricultural workers.  I have got first class in 10th  class, intermediate, graduate and postgraduate studies. Now I am  earning  Rs 15000/- in corporate college as a lecturer. Since I  live in village and go to Chittoor to work in college, I only get time to spend with students  on Sundays. I volunteer to teach classes in my village and have been volunteer in Sahanivasa schools as an ex- student . I am proud of being part of this process of social service." He also serves as leader of Old students association formed by Sahanivasa. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht1PcOnJLSY 2) Ms. Anusha, an ex-student of 10th class in Mukkalathur village."My name is Anusha. I come from Mukkalathur village. My parents are rural poor agricultural workers.  I am studying in 10th class. In my lower classes I was not regular in my studies because I was assisting my parents all day. When I came to 9th & 10th class I began attending the classes conducting by SAHANIVASA teachers before and after school times.- both morning and evening. I have been completing my home work and also having revision in the special class. SAHANIVASA school teachers are highly helpful in clarifying my doubts and supporting me in my studies. SAHANIVASA has also developed a library in my school. I develop enthusiasm in reading books, stories and also I am improving in my language skills. I developed confidence that I can get through the 10th class easily and go for higher studies and there after be employed. I hope I can continue to relate to the schools and SAHANIVASA works after I complete my education here in the school". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEjc3NgCYpI 3) Madhavan, police constable: “I am T. Madhavan from Anagallu village. My mother is an agriculture worker. My father died early in my childhood. We are five children. My mother worked hard to send me school. I studied in Vepancheri school.  I was not so keen in the studies until I join SAHANIVASA run classes in Vepancheri school. I used to play along with my school dropout friends after the school hours. After I have attended the SAHANIVASA run classes both morning and evening and developed interest in continuing my studies I was able to complete my 10th class public exam and intermediate studies successfully. After that I become police constable. I am happy with this job and thank SAHANIVASA for given me such an opportunity". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkzqT6gg6jc