Navsarjan Trust Schools Gujarat Maulik Nagri October 2015

Agenda Background Our Involvement AZ Current Update DSK Update Residential School Update – Student Count – Cost Comparison: vs – Proposal BhimShala Concept – Post Site Visit Observations during May 2013 site visit

Background Navsarjan founded in 1989 Goal: provide quality education to Dalit children facing harsh discrimination in government schools 3 active schools near Ahmedabad, Gujarat Estimated food cost per child INR ~900 per month in Student count at Navsarjan has dropped to 108 in due to change in policy where Navsarjan has decided to start charging students for food – Historically, Navsarjan increased student count from to , but now student count has reduced through Link:

Our Involvement Continue to fund teacher salaries, because: – Navsarjan has cited teacher turnover issues – Huge pay gap between Navsarjan schools and private schools Consider funding BhimShala Prior funding basis: scholarship program to encourage enrollment of female students – Parents willing to pay for boys’ education, but do not encourage their daughters for education – Marriage for girls at an early age very common Site visits in April 2007, January 2009, May 2010, May 2012, May 2013, and July 2015 Partner in “Quality of Education” and “NREGA”

AZ Chapter Update AZ Chapter volunteers visited Navsarjan (DSK and primary schools) in July 2015 Site Visit Report favorable AZ Chapter plans to spend $15,000 as follows: – Complete construction of new classroom - $3,000 – Offer tuition break to incoming girls to increase attendance for 2 years - $3,000 ( $1,500 per year to support 20 girls) – Add iron bars to windows for safety - $500 – Purchase Bedding/Sleeping Arrangements - $500 – Add desks to classrooms - $2,000 – Buy machines for graduating students from vocational schools - $6,000

Residential School Update Flat student count in vs – despite intense efforts to recruit children Teacher Count flat at 18; 3 teachers left and 3 hired Budget for residential schools increased to 41 lacs from INR 32 lacs in largely driven by: – decision to operate 3 schools; and Collaboration with other NGOS planned for Chhotte Bhim Drama Competition, Other educational initiatives continue as intended: Dalit Shakti Kendra (DSK) vocational schools and Bhimshalas Continuing difficulty in hiring and retaining teachers – Government schools pay teachers INR per month whereas Navsarjan pays INR 8000 per month – Founder indicated strong need for raising teacher salaries

Student Count in Student count flat in from 116 in Seems like continuing difficulty in enhancing student count Student count faces steep decline compared to

Cost Comparison: vs Budget requires some follow-up questions

Proposal FOR CURRENT DISCUSSION – Option 1: INR 300,000 to fund teacher salaries of residential schools Pending questions, but not related to salaries Project Steward can audit Salary Expense during upcoming site visit – Option 2: INR 150,000 to fund teacher salaries of residential schools INR 150,000 to fund operating expenses of Vocational School – INR 500,000 to fund operation of BhimShalas Pending Site Visit in November 2015 Residential Schools: INR 300,000 – Navsarjan has highlighted turnover in experienced teachers as a key challenge – Navsarjan cited ~50% lower payroll at its schools vs. government schools as a major reason for teacher turnover – Historically, Navsarjan teachers are from local communities and know families and motivate children to join Navsarjan schools. BhimShalas (after school education centers): INR 500,000 – Provides funding for operating 40 BhimShalas

BhimShala – Concept (1/4) BhimShala is an after school education center open to all children in the village. BhimShala generally has an attached library, together with a village helper (BhimSevak). Through practice and experience, Navsarjan learnt that library and availability of good books is an effective measure to enhance children’s engagement in education. Through creation of village libraries, Navsarjan wants to ensure that children’s motivational levels to complete education are maintained. Availability of good books through village libraries outside of formal schooling will go a long way in motivating children to complete their education. Bhimshala also acts a forum for hosting community cultural programs and children’s theatre competition. Community cultural programs: With the help of different community themed programs in the surrounding villages, Bhimshalas keep the village children and the community members engaged but also motivate children to seriously pursue education. Children’s theatre: Navsarjan has trained village children in enacting a theatrical play. Children’s theatre has been found to be effective medium to bring together children from across socio-economic backgrounds. Also, children’s theatrical performance taking place in village public spaces brings together people from different castes and generations together. BhimShala Count: 512 One-time cost of starting a BhimShala (Educational material, books, etc.): INR 5,000 One time financial support to the volunteer (per BhimShala): INR 5,000 Cost for running one BhimShala (competitions, materials, events, etc.): INR 5,000 Cost for monitoring one BhimShala: INR 6,000

BhimShala – Key Metrics (2/4) BhimShala Count: 512 One-time cost of starting a BhimShala (Educational material, books, etc.): INR 5,000 One time financial support to the volunteer (per BhimShala): INR 5,000 Cost for running one BhimShala (competitions, materials, events, etc.): INR 5,000 Cost for monitoring one BhimShala: INR 6,000

BhimShala – Benefits (3/4) Children from marginalized communities get a space to build their strengths and skills in performing arts which most of the times they are not motivated in their government schools. Children get access to books, scientific toys, and educational materials to enhance their knowledge and deepen their understanding. Children get opportunity to speak out about discrimination, which they are facing in their schools. Children across communities (religion and caste) can come together on the principle of equality. Linkages with the government schools are developed to ensure effective and quality education. Monitoring of schools with the focus on implementation of Right to Education Act is being done. Parents get aware about the needs, challenges and issues relating to children’s education about their children. Ambedkar ideology is spread and awareness about rights is being done through the BhimShalas.

BhimShala – Challenges (4/4) Ensuring sustainability of running the BhimShala Community not taking ownership of the BhimShala The community and parents do not understand the larger vision. It still seen as organization driven program. High turnover of the educational volunteers (BhimSevak) due to marriage, job change etc. BhimSevaks are not given support and motivation by the community. School drop out children do not participate in the BhimShalas. Conflicts amongst Dalit communities hinder proper functioning of the BhimShalas.

Observations during May 2013 Site Visit Visited school at Katariya and interviewed teachers, students and parents Navsarjan residential schools do “more with less” – 5 multi-functional rooms; classroom during day; lodge at night; mess hall at other times in the day – Human waste is re-used as fertilizer for gardens Schools are well-managed – School management and school staff very motivated – Katariya school generally clean and well-organized – Students have a daily schedule and are taught essential life skills – Cook and Caretaker live on premises Student interviews reveal confidence and enthusiasm in them Parent interviews reveal enthusiasm to send children to school

Site Visit Pictures

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