So much of suffering, so many problems…the biggest question is where to start
from? We feel that education is the key to improve the socio-economic condition.
In our country with so much of differences in the opportunity that our countrymen have,
those of us privileged to get educated owe a debt to the million others who have not
seen even the basics of literacy. Perhaps some of them have latent talent, which
can unfold with a little help. With this view we have tried to pull in our resources to
set-up literacy centers at present in two villages.
At present the two projects
that we have initiated are basically primary school level teaching centers in the villages
namely Dhadkidih in Purulia and Dhara at Bankura District.
Dhara (Bankura) Center
The village Dhara is situated about 15 kms from Joyrambati which is famous as
the birth place of Maa Saradamoyee, consort of SriRamkrishna. Most of the people there
were not consciousabout the need of education. In July 2003 Oikotan has initiated an
educational center for needy and enthusiastic children. Class room cum Library has been
constructed where around 30 students from class I to V are coming regularly. Two lady
teachers are trying hard to improve the present scenario.
Dhadkidih (Purulia) Center
The village Dhadkidih is about 12 kms from Purulia distrit town. The villagers did not
feel the importance of education for their children since most of them are daily wage
earners with an average family income less than Rs.50 a day. Oikotan has started the basic
education for around 30 students from class I to IV in January 2004, with two teachers.
The newly constructed Library, being used as the education center, is open to all the
deserving students of the village.
Future Programmes
Though we have started from child education, according to our aims and objectives
we are about to start health and livelihood consciousness programmes very soon. We
have already initiated tree plantation in both the centers from this monsoon. Three needy
students are being given financial assistance for their continuation of further
education. We have also planned to extend our hands to improve socio-economic condition of
some deprived communities like leprosy colonies in Purulia and Bankura.
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