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Before Renovation Sector IV
Villivakkam Panchayat Union
Primary School, Nakkeerar Salai, Mugappair East, Chennai 37
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Rotary International Dist 3230 has taken up a mega project called 'Schools Into Smiles', which aims at renovating 100 Government and Government-aided schools in and around Chennai district which are in a dilapidated condition. They will be adopted for sustained maintenance. The entire cost of this
project has been estimated at around Rs five crore.
Rtn.District Governor-Elect, Benjamin Cherian, said, 'During our visit to various schools as a part of our community service projects, we found that many of the primary schools are in a pathetic condition with no proper class rooms, no
toilets (in some cases unusable
toilets), water facilities, compound wall, clean surroundings and also have horrible noon meal kitchens. This was the impetus behind the idea of the project.. We decided to be the torch-bearers rather than curse the
society for the prevailing darkness'.
Benjamin further added, "The project is expected to commence by July 2004 and will be completed by November 2004. Price
Water House Coopers, the internationally acclaimed firm of auditors, has been specially appointed to ensure transparency in the management of funds. This is a definite testimony for the unmatched credibility of this project."
He said Rotary International Dist 3230 has launched this project, taking cognizance of the alarming facts of the status of school education in India:
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Across India, 11 % of children do not even enroll in schools.
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50% of those enrolled drop out prior to class VIII.
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Major reason for dropouts is lack of basic infrastructure facilities.
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70% of teachers are women and even they lack proper toilet facilities.
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After Renovation Sector IV
Villivakkam Panchayat Union
Primary School, Nakkeerar Salai, Mugappair East, Chennai 37
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Rtn.Y.Sudarsana Rao, Project Chairman said, 'The project is to commemorate the Centenary Year of the Rotary movement, founded in Chicago in 1905. RI Dist 3230 comprising of 95 clubs, from Chennai and the five northern revenue districts, is undertaking this project in coordination with the government and schools in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. Tremendous homework has been done in the last one year to
identify the most deserving schools. A complete team had been put in place to visit different areas including some areas, which were only accessible, by walk. Nevertheless, the complete information has been got and the schools identified for the clubs to make their choice."
Benefits of the Project:
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Increased learning levels
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Reduced school drop-outs
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Increased attendance
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More enrolment of students.
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Developing better citizens of tomorrow.
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Higher literacy levels and hence emergence of a better community consisting of informed public.
The project involving all Rotary clubs of Chennai and neighbouring districts would aim at providing basic and essential infrastructure needs such as proper class rooms, toilets, water,
electricity, furniture and fixtures. "This lofty dream can be realized only if corporates and philanthropists contribute generously to this noble cause," said Past District Governor Balaji. Anybody desiring to be a part of this project can contact: '1
24342136/26248222
website: www.schoolsintosmiles.org
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Schools into Smiles
