When our fundraising year began, we had no idea what was in store! In our February 2020 Board meeting, we established projects to fund for the eight schools we support, and a fundraising plan to meet those goals. As the year changed, as the schools shut down, as other funding sources dried up, the needs of our eight schools transformed and we were called to adapt to the new reality. Our Pre-COVID plans included funding for classroom equipment and materials, sewing machines and school uniforms; as the COVID shutdowns shifted classes online, our focus turned to school survival. This week, we completed our our fundraising year and here is how we distributed those funds.
Padhar Mission Higher Secondary School: This year, we sent $5000 for a Teacher’s salary fund and for student support. Students at the Mission School have returned to in-person class for the 10th-12th classes and are currently preparing for end of the year exams.
Padhar Mission Primary School: $750 was sent to provide teacher salary support and to purchase masks, Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies to prepare the school for the return of students to in-person class.
Panchsheel Ashram School: This year, we sent $6500 to support the student sponsorship program and to provide text books, notebooks and writing materials to each student. Teachers delivered materials to each student in their villages, some more than 30km. away from the school. Local students are attending school with 10th and 12th classes taking end-of-the-year exams.
School and Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind, Padhar: $2400 was sent this year for Student Sponsorship program.
Felix Convent School, Paratwada: This year, we sent $3500 for Teacher’s Salary support and to begin building the infrastructure for the Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratory.
Happy Valley English School, Padhar: This year, we sent $6474.00 to provide support for student scholarships, teachers’ salary support and to begin building the infrastructure for the Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratory.
St. Mark School, Sarni: Due to the changes with in-person class, we postponed funding for new desks and benches, and tables for the teachers. We will address that need in the new funding year. We did send $1000 for support for teachers’ salaries.
Ebenzer Education Society: $2500 was sent to support the English Medium School, providing supplies for classroom cleaning, masks and hand sanitizer, as well as text books, notebooks and writing supplies.
Today, we completed our fundraising year with a total of $28,124.00 sent to India. Many thanks to our donors and supporters! Soon, we will prepare for the new school year beginning in June which will hopefully include the Director’s visit to our schools.