March 26, 2008

Photo: Promid intoduces Sheri to a first grade student.

This morning we walked across the river to the school with two Americans we met in the street (Cat and Dan from Idaho). We were greeted by the commotion of a school full of children. We visited each class and talked to each teacher. After, we walked to the Sujata temple and visited the two classes that were taking place there. We returned and had lunch at the main school. We wasted a lot of time setting up the computer and attempting to connect to the internet.

The following day was something similar except we visited Busari village where the third branch of the school exists.

Well the news is good. After eight years the school has progressed.

The school foundation owns free and clear a plot of land and a one story building.

At the school building six teaches hold class for 60 students aged 6 to 15, grades 1 to 5. Nine boy orphans live at the school and are provided a safe and clean place to live. They receive food and medical care. They seem happy.

At Sujata temple two teachers provide kindergarten like classes to 80 young children in two donated rooms.

At Busari village we found 130 children aged 6 to 12 being given late after noon “coaching” (2 to 3 hours per day) in English, math, science by 4 female teachers in a house donated by one of the teachers.

As far as we can tell most all the money donated has gone towards the education of the children or the purchase of land and construction of the school. We have asked around and all reports are that the school is reputable and is providing a reasonable level of education.

In Bend Oregon the above would be considered normal or even unacceptable. In the state of Bihar, India all of the above is literally a miracle!

Thanks to all, we are very lucky.