Restoring Hope for the First Generation of Tribals in Narmada Valley
In the heart of the Narmada Valley, nestled amidst the Satpura range, lives a community striving for a better future. The Narmada Navnirman Abhiyan (NNA) is working tirelessly to provide hope and education to the valley's first generation of tribals who were displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Project. This non-governmental organization is dedicated to the development and restoration of 245 villages, with a focus on the different difficulties that our tribal brothers and sisters face.
The Lifeline of Education: Jeevanshalas
NNA's mission revolves around six residential 'Jeevanshalas' or 'Life Schools' in Maharashtra. These institutions seek to integrate displaced indigenous children into mainstream education and society. These schools are a beacon of hope for nearly 700 youngsters ages 6 to 11 years old, thanks to a unique curriculum that mixes life arts, outdoor activities, and traditional academics.
A Legacy of Success Since their inception, Jeevanshalas have helped approximately 6,000 students complete their education, with many becoming the first in their families to graduate. These schools, which have been self-financing since 2014, provide primary education from first to fourth grade in both the indigenous children's mother tongue and the state language, enabling a smooth and successful learning experience.
Tragic Storm: A Community in Crisis
On May 13th, a terrible storm stormed across the Narmada Valley, destroying homes and educational resources in three villages: Manibeli, Danel, and Thuvani. The schools' roofs, sheets, and walls were blown away, leaving educational materials, necessary supplies, food grains, and other objects exposed and destroyed by rainwater. This calamity impacted 367 children, affecting their education and daily life.
Immediate Response and Current Needs The day following the storm, committed instructors and staff came together to collect dispersed materials and build makeshift shelters. However, the damage is substantial, and the residential schools are unable to operate in their current state. With the residents simultaneously dealing with the damage of their homes, local support in restoring the schools is not possible.
To solve the problem, NNA has sought for financial assistance via social media, raising Rs. 7 lakh thus far. This has helped to bring one school's restoration close to completion. However, immediate community support is still required to reconstruct the remaining two schools and restore normalcy to the children.
How You Can Help
We are inviting philanthropists, IT corporations, CSR companies, industrial firms, and compassionate individuals from India and overseas to join us in this great cause. Your contributions can enable us to purchase:
- Construction materials include bricks, bamboo, cement, and other necessities.
- Food Supplies: To guarantee that the youngsters are properly fed.
- Sleeping arrangements include sleeping bags for the youngsters.
- Furniture includes cupboards, racks, tables, and seats to keep stuff organised.
- Storage solutions include iron boxes for grains and cupboards for children's things.
- Educational supplies include books, lab equipment, and other learning materials.
Your financial help can change these children's lives and restore their optimism. Visit Social for Action and click the 'Donate Now' button to support the 'Residential - Jeevanshala' campaign. Together, we can rebuild these schools and ensure that the first generation of educated tribals in the Narmada Valley continues to thrive. Join the 'Hand of Air' campaign today and be a part of this transformative journey.
About Narmada Navnirman Abhiyan (NNA). The NNA is dedicated to rehabilitating and developing displaced people, protecting land and forest rights, and promoting education in indigenous communities. Their initiatives have already yielded considerable results, including the distribution of agricultural land and homes to thousands of families across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Join us. Take part in this endeavour to rebuild, restore, and renew. Your help can make all the difference. Donate now and help us restore education and hope to the Narmada Valley's resilient youngsters.
