VOLUNTEERS FOR RURAL INDIA

over 800 students are enrolled at the inter college

over 25% of the students are girls

schoolboys at the intercollege

The Krishi-Audyogik Inter college - a secondary school in rural India

The Inter college began in 1971 as a junior high school (for 10 to 13 year olds) with two modest classrooms. In 1980 it was recognised by the government, in 1995 granted high school status and in 1999, given recognition as an inter college (this is the Indian name for a school teaching 10 to 17 year olds). It now has over 800 students on roll, over 25% of them girls. What a contrast to its early days when there was just one girl in the school. Hers, however, was a great success story. Unable to marry because of curvature of the spine caused by chronic tuberculosis, she became a teacher in the primary school and eventually headmistress.

The state government now provides scholarships to all pupils from the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backwards castes. The poorest students from higher or general castes also receive scholarships although unfortunately these students do not receive them until the end of the academic year which means that some of them are still unable to attend secondary school.

This inter college has built up a solid reputation over the years, especially for never allowing cheating in any examination and never accepting bribes. This is no small achievement. At first, parents withdrew their children when they realised that they could neither bribe nor cheat their way to success. However, as the results began to speak for themselves, local villagers understood that there were other, better ways to pass exams. They saw that the teachers attended regularly and taught their classes properly. Students now come from miles around, some from so far away that during term time they stay in the project hostel.

Since 2004, the inter college has also offered Maths and Science in the sixth form. This is a big attraction for local students who normally have to go to the towns for advanced science courses.

"I have been working as a teacher in the project for 25 years now. I had the opportunity to take up a job as a lecturer in a college in another district but when the junior high school received government recognition, I decided not to leave. Here I have had the chance to get involved in all the programmes going on and to make many contributions. I am the one who started the garden, brought many of the original trees and planted them. I also organised the very first Science Fair and for many years have compered functions and presented dramas and comic scenes. I have often been given extra responsibilities which I would probably have had in another job too but not with the same amount of satisfaction and appreciation that I have had here." (Jagdish Chauhan, Senior Teacher 2006, Krishi-Audyogik inter college)

Jafar Pur school

The project has also helped another village, Jafar Pur, to start its own school.

Information for Supporters

Find out how you can help the secondary school.

Note also that, under the VRI volunteering scheme you can come and see this school for yourself, and get involved in the work here.

Back to Amarpurkashi Project - Overview.