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Om Mango-projektet
About the Mango Project

 


Rapporter från Indien

 

2009

 

NEWS BULLETIN - DHARAMPUR

      September to December 2009

 

    Unique Contribution from Yim Fun of Kumla School

 

TUFF – VPSS cooperation has a history of 30 long years. It is a stimulating story of continuous contributions from Swedish Sister Schools & some kind individuals. But that from Yim Fun [working on kitchen staff of Kumla School] is so unique. Overhearing that a group of 3 teachers from Kumla were to visit Dharampur, she came forward with a personal support of 5.000 SEK – least bothered about what would be the result and where. Ake asked me, what the money could be used for. After consulting my colleagues, I told him that we would like to sink a bore – well, in one of our schools. When the news was conveyed to Yim, she was so overtaken and thought that the amount [according to her] would not be sufficient. She increased the sum to 7,200 SEK. The inspiring story did not end then and there. Later on, Yim happened to visit her native place - Hongkong. Her relatives and friends knew some how about her resolve. They also were inspired and added their contribution. The figure finally expanded to 10,000 SEK, which is now rupees - 60,000 in Indian Currency. All of yes here are so impressed with her Quality Contribution. As Ake in his response mentioned :  ‘Yim Fun does not at all belong to the richest 90 percent of Swedes’

 

Instead of one, two bore – wells, fitted with electric motors are now nicely operating – resolving drinking water problem of two schools, instead of one - The Primary School & the High School in Tamachhadi. The beauty of these wells is that, we found water at the first trial and in good quantity. Three teachers from Kumla – surrounded by over - excited students have been to both the wells [More about their visit in the next Bulletin – First one of 2010]

 

Visitors from Sweden

In the middle of December, two intellectuals from Sweden visited Dharampur as well as few old [Pre – Dharampur] Tuff – supported schools around Valod. They extensively visited schools as well as on – going community development programs. They wanted precisely to understand the holistic nature of the Project. We told them the story of ‘Dharampur March’ in great details; the pioneering role played by Tuff and had intensive discussions about several topics. A few lines from a recent letter from Ake, concerning the visit of two persons :    

 

“ To-day I got a letter from Jelena, who together with Neven Milivojevic visited you some weeks ago. She was positive about Koki and you, but also about the projects. Not only as an anthropologist, but she also sounded inspired to participate in the India - Tuff cooperation”.

 

Stepping Up Mango Plantation : A Tuff Project

Mango Program is a Tuff Project. Let the latest exchange of letters speak for the project:

“ Glad to hear about the wonderful response for Mangograms program - taken up with such a zeal and sense of commitment by Tuff activists. We have so far [in 14 years] distributed 95,500 mango saplings in Dharampur/Kaprada Communs. More than 500 are planted in the Girls' Hostel in Bilpudi”. [My reply]

“ Our selling of mangograms is reaching a new record this year. More than SEK 25 000 has been paid for mangograms “ [From a letter of Ake]

[From a letter from Malin Castenfors to Ake Sandin. She invented Christmas Mangograms] :

 

“ I am so incredibly happy that the Christmas Mangograms have been sold so well. I am often thinking of my time in India in 2006. The visit [with three others] in Dharampur was the high-light of the journey. To see Tuff Projects and be treated with such hospitality is something that really has influenced my way of thinking and seeing upon life”.

 

Radio Tuff's Marianne Stieger (Robert Library) performed at a small cinema in Malmö. She told the audience about our cooperation and sold mangograms for SEK 685.

 

Summary from my letter to Ake, over this remarkable success:

 

“ Please congratulate Marianne for her successful performance in a small cinema in Malmö. What a distance and what closeness at the same time! So far and so near.  Even after shifting from Tyreso, she has sustained her interest in Dharampur. We are fortunate to have such committed and concerned friends She seems to have impressed upon the audience [quite unaware about Dharampur situation] so very well, resulting in selling of mangograms for SEK 685 [quite an amount]. It is little over RS 4,000 now. Adding as much amount as matching contribution from the beneficiaries, the figure jumps to more than RS 8,000. That is enough for a little over 200 saplings. A small gesture; but immediate result, with nice impact.

 

Cannot but share another [last] letter from me to Ake:

 

“ Glad to learn how successful is the idea of selling Magogram - so imaginatively coordinated with Christmas. How nice to learn that many more people [include important persons in public life] called you and ordered Mangograms for using them as Christmas Gifts. With wonderful efforts of Tuff, the number of plants in Dharampur is going to increase”.

 

In Kumla every new teacher is greeted with a mangogram. What a wonderful involvement!  

 

Redirecting Tuff Support – Why & How?

I will respond today mainly to the questions some parents have raised [In one School]. I can understand all that, as we cannot expect them to comprehend what has been achieved here, so far away. On the other hand, the credit [roots] goes to some spirited Swedish Sister Schools, who organize OODW, year after year. The resulting development takes place here, in the most needy and deserving hilly - forest Block of Dharampur, in such a remote and logistically challenging corner. Again, with the passage of time; two new dimensions have been added. The canvass here went on widening and also [may be] original concept of Tuff of Sisterhood [school to school]. But now the beneficiaries are not just schools; but as well poor communities. I am aware that this makes things rather complicated to understand there and to explain for all of you, to the parents in particular and Tuff members in general. But what I term as ' Face to Face ' poverty [we are amidst it] in Dharampur and also VPSS philosophy about development work demanded new direction, with BROAD - BASED HOLISTIC APPROACH to be precise - attack on poverty, not only educational poverty, but materialistic poverty as well. This led us to strange programs like Mass Marriages, Male Buffaloes [apparently nothing to do with schools] and few more such programs, demanded by the community. We never imagined all this, or even remotely planned; when we entered casually the dark area of Dharampur & Kaprada Talukas [Communes – making a BLOCK] and started the journey. The result: Host of schools & non – schools socio-economic programs – name any.  TUFF friends [mainly who visited Dharampur and they are many] are well aware about them and the process that took place during the long ‘March’ Let me specifically mention some non - schools plans. They are Wells - Rain Water Harvesting Tanks, Mango Plantation, Check Dams, Soil – Bunding [to arrest erosion], Oil Engines, Health - Care, etc. – etc. and now a ‘Model Village Plan’ – just shaping. Another important dimension is that of substantial community participation [unique response in Dharampur] & generous donations coming [in last ten years] on increasing scale, over and above Tuff support [The BASE], mainly from Indian Trusts [also overseas] and individuals. This is how the project went on expanding much faster than we ever could visualize. From a modest start, we went on extending newer programs for larger population, touching the life of about 100000 people, in more than 100 villages. The expansion is still on and seems limitless, if we could manage. You and Gunnar are witness [20 years ago] that when we started just night – classes, with small budget of Tuff [we have now crossed 10 M. rupees] and without any road – map. Now there are roads after roads, leading to many directions and dimensions. This is what I describe as NATURAL GROWTH   Coming to schools also, there is no dearth.  As from few night classes, the project got expanded to 6 Primary and 2 Secondary Schools, a Girls' Hostel, a  Boys' Hostel, a Mobile Van & Vocational Training Program   This expansion is of great value for poorest  of the poor families  of Dharampur Block.

 

[After this explanation, I gave few concrete examples of the school projects, from support]

  

Winter Camp

In Chandvagan School , one institute from Baroda & VPSS jointly organized 4 days Vacation Camp for kids of 5/6/7/8 grades. They were 62 - 40 from various cities and towns of Gujarat as well as 22 from Dharampur Schools. The theme : Face to face with forest and tribal families, living below poverty line [BPL}. For 3 days, the kids moved extensively in the forest guided by our workers - walking, climbing, visiting caves & water falls, enjoying lunch arranged by the community, visiting families around the school to have a close look in their day - to - day life in particular and become aware about their life - style in general, as well as trying to understand their living standard.- why it is like so. All this was followed by the discussions and sharing experiences every day. The focus was on analysis of the situation [poverty and disparity, to be precise], with likely solutions. This was for the first time we held such a mixed camp. It was a success, as we could assess from the feed - back of the kids.. Their responses & feelings were positive & touching. In past, we have organized several camps on different issues in Dharampur.  But this really was unique, in last 2 decades.

 

Check Dams & Soil Conservation 

We are now building 40 new mud/stone check - dams [total will touch to 400], over and above soil - bunding [conservation] and repairs of few existing dams. We have received over a million rupees from a Trust Body], for this ambitious plan. Their representatives visited Dharampur, to assess the situation and see the existing dams, as well as standing crops – the outcome. The result was obvious. 

 

All these programs [also soil –bunding] are labor - intensive and follow  ' Food for Work' principles. They will create more employment, resulting into more food grains distribution [short – term gain] at the door - steps of the people. On account of very weak monsoon, crop production is hardly 50 %. The situation would be alarming in summer months. The check - dams and other programs like soil – conservation hopefully will provide some relief. 

 

Survey of 40 Old Dams

As required by one Bombay – based Rotary Club [with major matching contribution from Rotary International], our staff just conducted survey of 40 check – dams supported by them. 36 are found in good condition; while 4 are damaged. The dams provided water to save standing crops during dry spells in monsoon. The workers got food – grains worth a million rupees, as wages. One of the objectives of the dams is to provide water to cattle. That way, it proved a boon to the community, in this water – starved region. We are going to repair dams which are damaged. The total population covered in one way or the other : 15,839

 

The recharging process continues, even after the dams dry up, as their main source of water collection is rain. The main purpose is to catch good amount of run - off water, that flows from the catchments area. Even if the dams preserve water for 6 to 7 months; they continue raising water table of surrounding wells. Dams indirectly help in reforestation as well as mango plantation. About 40 % is labour contribution of the community. The rest of the wages are paid in form of food – grains only. Some other NGOS also got inspired and took up this program. In such dams, people feel that they are their dams (assets) and hence they immediately repair them (being close); before much damage takes place. With supportive water management programs (like soil - bunding, new wells, engines etc.) this is shaping as, sort of a composite plan. 

 

Cement Dams

We are not in favor of cement dams, as they are costly, not labor - intensive and eco - friendly But we have visited and selected two sites, where such dams only could work  The matter has also been  discussed with our dam - workers as well as the community, Finally we have agreed to build 2 cement dams, as a trial. The proposed sites are in small rivulets and the normal dams could not stand strong currents, during monsoon. Few groups earlier visited Dharampur to study the proposal.  We have just got their positive response.

.

Rain Water Harvesting

Additionally, 20 Rain Water Harvesting Tanks are coming up. The digging is just finished by the beneficiaries. The rest of the support [for material] is coming from one Bombay Trust Body. We have been executing all such plans since last 15 years; but this time we are coordinating it, keeping in mind the challenge ahead. Two oil – engines ate given for irrigation and one more bore – well [for a hamlet], is on way.

 

Quality Drive in Education

The Girls' Hostel is now shaping as a centre for Quality Education, for all our schools. The ‘Drive' for upgrading academic subjects [explained in the last N. Bu.] and creating general  awareness is very much on. One expert teacher is helping Koki. Of course, this is a preliminary stage [advance, compared to our remote schools]. A good beginning is made.

 

Second Crop

The Winter Crop Drive [explained in the last N. Bu.] is very much on - on a  bigger scale. We visited many villages [a few Swedes joined us], where the people came forward. It was great to observe green carpet [first time in many villages], instead of grey fields. It certainly will compensate to some extent, the deficit – resulted on account of last weak monsoon. VPSS has spent RS 300000 [got support from one kind individual] for distribution of seeds, much in advance. This follows our latest emphasis [see last Bu.] for 'Food - First'. We will be coordinating water management programs to fight food - shortage, which may be on higher scale this year, mainly in summer months. We had planned the 'Drive' long back, with good success of 'Trial Project' in last winter [See the last Bulletin] 

 

Visit of NGO Team

We had about 40 visitors in Vaghaval School and then in Bilpudi Hostel. They were the supporters of Sewa Rural NGO - most of them doctors and other like - minded NGO representatives. The topic was: Dharampur Model and its value - based approach. It was sort of a mini – seminar, inspiring for NGOS, individual workers and youngsters dreaming to join some such stream in poor localities. One American girl also joined the group.

 

Model Village

A very well - qualified tribal lady lives amidst the community and is spearheading this pioneering concept. She has successfully implemented ‘Winter Crop’ plan, started building check – dams as well as soil - bunding there. She is motivating parents for immunization program for kids and other welfare plans of the government, targeted to the women. A recent addition from the project is food – nourishment program for pregnant women and children. A cement dam and general Health Check – Up camp are on the cards

 

A trip of the farmers from Matunia [Model Village] to Seltipada village [a success story] was a real motivational exercise and educative experiment of sharing achievements, knowledge and aspirations. 45 farmers from Matunia went to Seltipada in TUFF lorry. There was good exchange of views and experiences between both the groups. Matunia group was taken around the dams and fields by 25 farmers of Seltipada, who have performed extremely well, since last few years, on account of new water management schemes. They have a good net - work of small check dams, wells, soil - bunds and engines. Also mango program, new seeds, second crop and other community development programs have been effectively implemented in that cluster. This was the first experiment of its type. Enthused by the first trip, a second equally successful trip was arranged in another village, where a ‘Toilet Project’ has been successfully introduced by two other NGOS jointly. This is to motivate the community for introducing toilets [a new thing] in Matunia Model Village.  We are hopeful.

 

Winter Crop program in particular is attracting many visitors to Matuniya [out of 10 selected for expanding this crop]. It was recently visited by one expert, to prepare a Blue – Print of the proposed Model Plan. The village never had Winter [Second] Crop. Most of the farmers were rather skeptical in the beginning; but after viewing initial success and also on account of close contact of our lady worker staying with them, they expanded the program in rest of their fields, followed by the neighbors, one after the other. One of the villagers tried out entirely a new vegetable crop, with success, as one   dam constructed last year is close to his field. On account of the remarkable result, more people may follow him, next year.   

 

During our initial contact - meetings before monsoon, the community decided not to allow free movement of their cattle after rains. Otherwise, this is a common practice in forest villages. This was our precondition, before embarking upon the 'Winter Crop Drive'. VPSS has also constructed few check  dams earlier, in this village. They are as well helpful for second crop. An interesting incident took place at the last community meeting. A group taking special interest in this village also was present. It included a 94 years old gentle man. The road to Matunia was not quite jeepable. So we held meeting, close to the main road. The old man did not agree to go to the hostel and rest. He attended the meeting silently, which required a little walking on rough terrain.

 

Vocational Training

The on - going Vocational & Technical Training Program has started creating self - employment of those who got training in last year and a half. The Program as well its offshoot self - employment plan is supported by Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram [See the last Bulletin]. While touring with guests, we visited a tailoring shop and one two – wheeler garage, run by those who were trained last year. We have 60 such  cases on record. Great

 

Male – Buffalo

700 animals were given to 350 [two to each] families The figure has now reached to 2800 The program is supported by many Trusts [distance from - 500 to 600 km from Dharampur Block], looking after welfare of animals. A delegate from one of the Trusts visited Dharampur recently for review and further planning. They have agreed to cooperate in future.  The animals are very useful in agricultural operations and they are echo – friendly.  Great.

 

Two Activists of Bombay

Two Bombay - based activists for Dharampur [Mr. Rajesh Shah & Mrs. Bhavana Shah] repeatedly visited Dharampur, to help us for on – going projects. Recently Rajesh came with a friend and walked for about 60 km, from one school to another. Bhavana – also recently came with his US – based son & her husband, The son was keen to see work going on at the grass – roots.   They were happy to see the second crop, in a vast area, soil – buding and the underground water – tanks, being dug by the beneficiaries. They also made an in – depth visit of one school – in session

 

Tragic Accident & Relief

A serious jeep accident killing 8 persons took place here. Our workers rushed to the village of the victims [very remote] and provided immediate relief. When some Bombay friends came to know about it, they wanted to give more and meaningful help, I visited the village along with them and met the families of the victims. The Bombay friends are helping generously for immediate and long - term measures. They include support for hospital - treatment and food – grains, to be provided for a year, to those families who lost their bread - earners. VPSS is going to give them free mango plants [Tuff Funding] and we are also going to cover the families under our on - going water – management programs, so that the affected families could carry on food production. The boys and girls eligible for schooling will be admitted in our schools. As desired by our kind supporters, the families will get roofing tiles, before monsoon.

 

NEWS IN BRIEF

         

  • The expansion of Boys’ Hostel is on, so that totally 50 students may be accommodated – living far away from their school. Now there are 25

  • Butter – milk program for our students has been initiated. VPSS get it free from Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram [Institution] and 8 stainless still cans [for transporting to the schools] are gifted by a Cooperative Society

  • In Vaghval school one more water – tank has been constructed.

  • Solar Street - Lights and Home – Lights are proving [a great boon] in three schools. Looking to the success, rest of the VPSS schools are going to be covered soon.

  • All the libraries in our schools have been expanded, adding new books

  • The support for Mass – Marriages has started coming 1n advance. .

 

                                 

                   Common Sense & Community Spirit

VPSS has constructed a check dam, about 8 years back in village Hetpada. It has proved helpful to the farmers, all these years. The Village Council is resourceful. They managed to get support from the government and renovated the dam. A well was constructed earlier from Tuff Funding [well program]. It is now on the edge of the dam and provides year - round drinking water [recharging]. To keep the dam full, the leadership has managed for a diesel engine, to get back leaking water. When I visited the spot recently with two Swede friends, I found water [dam was full] not being used in agriculture. They replied; ‘The community has decided not to use water this year, as many families are making bricks. We have got support for our rehousing from the government.’ Salute to their common sense and wonderful community spirit.

                       

             Bhikhu Vyas & Kokila Vyas ; Draft : 12 -  01  - 2010             

                                      VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI

Project Office : Tuff Friendship House - Vedchhi [T. Valod] 394641

[Branch of Vedchhi Pradeha Seva Samiti – Udyogvadi : Valod

 

 

Hur används TUFF-pengarna i Indien?
Bhikhu har i sept. -09 skickat en översikt hur Tuff-pengar använts senaste året (
Se nedan).
Det är hela 20 olika projekt!
 Det gäller de 300 000 kr vi skickade senast.

 

Siffrorna i rupier kan divideras med 6 för få antalet kronor.

 

Åke, tel 712 4463

 

UTILIZATION CHART : TUFF CONTRIBUTION

              [Dharampur Project : June – 2008 to June - 2009]

Sr.

                                Programs & Items

Rupees

  1

Virekshetra School : Salaries & Food [Mainly]

    370,000

  2

Vankhas School: Salaries,  Food,  Oil Engine & Floor Mill

    409,000

  3

Coordination & Supervision of  8 Schools, 2 Hostels, 1 Mobile Van & Vocational - Technical Training Program : Salary of one expert worker and his traveling expenses

:   60,000

  4

Traveling cost of on – going training of teachers, Review – Planning Meetings in Bilpudi & Trips of High – School students to Dharampur, for intensive study of different subjects. Also visit of  expert teachers, for same purpose

    29,000

  5

Construction of  a class room in Tamachhadi Primary School

     80,000

  6

Support for Gymnasium Hostel girls [40] in Bilpudi for the following items;

    104,000

 

Salary of  1 rector, 1 cook & 1 helper : RS 72000

 

 

Planting of 500 mango and coconut plants [RS 35 per one plant] RS 17500

 

 

Magazines RS 12200 : Gardening : RS 2300 :

 

7

Support for Mobile Van  [Maintenance/Insurance] 

   20,000

8

Gunnar/Margaretha Reading Room in Girls’ Hostel [Bilpudi]  

   60000

9

Health – Care in the schools : Mainly Medicines  

   77,000

10

Telephones in the schools  and of workers

   32,000

11

3 oil – engines given to 3 groups [12 families] for irrigation

   39,000

12

Distribution of seeds for taking second [Winter] crop 

   26,000

13

4 wells [Excluding labor contribution – a major portion]

 100,000

14

Coordinators for Check Dams, Soil – Bunding, Distribution of Male Buffaloes  - Seeds for second crop & Mango Plants – Mass Marriages etc. :. Salary & Traveling of  2 workers 

   72,000

15

Repair and coloring of Tuff Friendship House in Vedchhi

  43,000

16

Support for Tuff lorry : Insurance & Maintenance 

104,000

17

Expenditure for jeep : Driver,  Insurance & Maintenance:

  78,000

18

Maintenance & Fuel of 6 motor - cycles 

  35,000

19

Publication of a Pictorial Booklet  - Story of Two Decades in Dharampur & Kaprada Communes [Blocks]

  25,000

20

Administration

150,000

 

[A] Salary of office – secretary & helper : RS 60000

 

 

[B] Computer – Telephones – Xerox – Stationary – Postage 

      - Electricity etc. : RS. 60000

 

 

[C] Traveling Expenses  : 30000                                          

 

 

                     G R A N D  - T O T A  L

191,3000

 

                               

             Dharampur Comprehensive Development Project

 

Schools  

At the outset, let me explain the position, as it went on developing and changing. The trend is still on, of more funds coming from local sources, without asking. The latest example is that of ‘Low Cost Mini Lunch’. We have started it in one big day high school. The support came from a Trust of Bombay. Actually they suggested this program to try out.  Finding it worth - while and well - managed  [after a trustee visited program in school], the trustee is asking to add one more school  As for VPSS, in the field of education, it is running now 6 primary schools and 2 high schools  [with hostels], 2 hostels [one for girls and one for boys] for Gymnasium level students, 1 Mobile Van and 1 Vocational Training Program, The latest addition is mini meal, which I have mentioned above  Substantial involvement of Tuff is in the following programs [education]. Major contribution of Tuff is utilized after schools [education] But we have not hesitated to initiate seeds for Winter Moisture Crop [second crop] – not depending upon rain, to produce more food – grains. This may prove history – setting, as we are facing draught - emerging crisis - now much needing Winter.Crop.

 

Virekshetra School  

The school is having 105 students in grades 4-5-6 -7, with three teachers. One of them is supported by one Trust [Parle Biscuits]. There are 2 cooks. No other servants or peons. The hostel is managed on self – help principles, by teachers & students It include cleaning the rooms and the premises, water – management, gardening, other daily routine activities [like washing clothes & cleaning dishes  etc.], serving food & helping in cooking – as part of broad [value – added] practical education [not only bookish]  All the students attend next – door village day – school.  The students get intensive coaching before and after school – hours, in the hostel. They are now having all the facilities of permanent nature, as also computers, coming from different donors under schemes for all the schools. In this school, about 90 % support is from Tuff

 

Vankhas School  

The school is having 120 students in grades 4-5-6 -7, with four teachers. One of them is supported by one Trust [Parle Biscuits]. There are 2 cooks. The rest of the pattern is the same as above. The only addition is the floor mill and oil engine on our well. For this school [4th one], we have received the permission of the government, to run it directly by VPSS. The permission is up to 6th grade, so the 7th grade has to go to the village school [for one year] - 5 five minutes walk from our school. So the students of 4/5/6 grades do not now require to go to the village school. In this school also, about 90% support is from Tuff. In short, these 2 schools are Tuff schools on original pattern

 

Vaghval School 

Here now we have a School – Complex, having Primary & Secondary School [with hostels of course], like Tamachhadi. The P. School having 4/5/6/7 grades is recognized by the government and run directly by VPSS Like Vankhas the 7th grade has to go to the village school in the neighborhood [for one year]. We started here High School last year [recognized by the government] – now having 8th & 9th grades There are 165 students [Pri. & Se.] and 9 teachers. The pattern is the same as Virekshetra / Vankhas.

 

Since last 6 months, one big Trust from Bombay [like Tamachhadi School Complex]

Has fully adopted this school, with hostel, providing expenses for the whole year. The High School is fully equipped, with all the facilities – having all the class rooms as well as Science Laboratory Building, nice Library, Staff Rooms, new Sanitary Blocks, Water Arrangement & Computer Lab. The Trust is fully involved with the school, to the extent that they visit Vaghval periodically. They have an ambition to make Vaghval a ‘Model & Modern Educational Institute’ This long introduction is to convey, why bridging fund was not required for this school. This is an unexpected, but permanent arrangement. The rest of the Schools – Hostels – Mobile Van and Vocational Program are adopted by different Trusts. Of course, as before, we liberally bridge [Pl. see separate Chart] the financial gap from flexible funds in our hands, generously provided by Tuff. Of course, the pattern has changed exact from a particular Swedish School to a particular Dharampur School. I am fully aware that this pattern makes the motivating exercise difficult for Tuff friends. I have elaborated this point earlier in my several letters to you and hinted in my messages to the S. Schools.

 

Few More Points

 

Other Small Supports to the Schools  

For our schools we get free text – books, note – books at nominal rate and good amount of furniture as well dresses and even snacks, occasionally.

 

From only Schools to Holistic Pattern 

The project has taken not only real holistic shape, but is becoming broader and larger, with commendable flow of funds from Indian Sources, over and above regular Tuff funding. There were no local funds for the first whole decade. Tuff was our only partner.  With this change, the original style [School to School] went on changing, with linkage of education with socio-economic progress of the community - both these aspects of life, with ever expanding programs [you have my periodical News letters].

 

No Government Funding - Real People’s Project [Exceptional] 

Now I must conclude with these final remarks: The yearly budget is touching a crore  [10 millions] of rupees, with about one-third contribution from local communities,   mainly in form of labor & totally no govt. funding – thanks to Tuff, Donors & People 

                                  

 Bhikhu Vyas

[For VPSS]

D. 03 -09 - 2009

 

 

 

 Resultat av 20 års verksamhet!
En sammanfattning

Rapport från Bhikhu maj 2009

TWO DECADES : ACHIEVEMENTS
[1988 – 2008]



(1) 6 primary schools, 2 high schools, 1 girl’s hostel & 1 boys’ hostel [950 students]
Now Computers in all these schools.


(2) 50 training camps conducted for colleges & voluntary groups.


(3) 80 students guided & helped for higher education & training.


(4) 135 wells constructed, 25 reconstructed and 10 bore - wells fixed as also built 7 rainwater harvesting tanks with initiative of & planning as well as labor contribution of people.


(5) 208 oil engines given at half price at the doorsteps, in hamlets.


(6) 2000 hectares of land reclaimed or repaired under soil – bunding program.
Cultivation is taking place in the new fields.


(7) 342 mud-stone check dams constructed on ‘Food for Work’ lines, with nearly
      45 % labor  contribution of the beneficiaries. Irrigation [yearly] takes place in about 
      3000  hectares of land.


(8) 40 Primary Health check - up camps conducted.


(9) 80 very serious patients guided & supported substantially.
    Yearly about 500 patients get free medicines for common diseases through our schools,
    breaking cycle of which-doctors.


(10) Under 'Mother & Child Care' plan support given [2000 women].
        The program is being reshaped with family kitchen gardens.


(11) 90,000 mango saplings distributed in hamlets at 50 % price.


(12) 70,000 common and forest trees given away to the people.


(13) 25000 mango plants raised in schools. Distributed to guardians.


(14) Provide 4000 packets of improved vegetable seeds every year.


(15) Conducted 200 mass marriages: Last 3 years in remote villages


(16) 2,300 male/buffaloes brought from long distance and given away to
        1,150 poorest families, only at transport cost.

(17) Well equipped Mobile Van, managed by qualified teachers takes regular
       rounds in 8  Government Primary Schools to provide supplementary education
        [regular subjects and general knowledge].


(18) A Technical & Vocational Training Program started last year.
       250 trainees males & females] have completed training so far.


(19) Winter crop, based only on moisture in the soil has been introduced
         on a trial basis in 1000 families, with 50 % share by beneficiaries.


(20) A follow – up program for self – employment [livelihood], directed to those
        who have undergone training has been initiate with 35 youths.
 

THE LATEST DRIVE

917 kilogram seeds given to 334 families, just in 3 months produced 18,007 kilograms of grains !
Enthused by this wonderful result,  a massive 'Winter Crop' project for more grain production will be undertaken in remote villages. As soon as monsoon is over I intend to concentrate on this ‘Food First’ program. I will like to move constantly, village after village, to spread the message and to manage the program.


(I korthet:)
917 kilo utsäde som gavs till 334 familjer resulterade på bara tre månader i en skörd på 18007 kg!
Uppmuntrad av detta underbara resultat avser jag att efter monsunen driva ett intensivt "Vinter-skördprojekt" i mera avlägsna byar.

 

 

KUMLA SKOLA FÅR SOLIDARITETSPRIS

 

(Pressmeddelande från TUFF)

 

Kumla skola i Tyresö har ofta kallats svenska skolmästare i internationell solidaritet. Det är välförtjänt, för sedan början av 1970-talet har skolan varje år gjort dagsverken för mycket fattiga jämnåriga i indiska skolor. Redan 1975 uppfördes i delstaten Gujarat en skolbyggnad med fem klassrum, som än i dag bär namnet Kumla Wing.

 

Sedan dess har Kumla bidragit till många av Tyresö Ulands- och FredsFörenings (Tuff) projekt i Indien. Det har blivit skolbibliotek, skolmatsalar, skoltoaletter, skollaboratorier, ja till och med en medicinfabrik. På 1990-talet fick tack vare Kumla och andra skolor 3000 barn till säsongarbetande sockerrörshuggare ”a smile for a while” som indiska partners uttryckte det. Dessa hårt arbetande och extremt lågavlönade bodde med sina familjer i eländiga läger, där det för Tyresöpengar år efter år uppfördes 50 stora skoltält och anställdes lika många unga lärarinnor. Där fick barnen elementär undervisning, ett mellanmål per dag en uppsättning kläder.

 

De senaste åren har Tuffpengar, bland annat från Kumla, finansierat sex skolor bland de fattigaste av de fattiga. De finns i det tidigare så försummade indiska området Dharampur. Där får uppåt tusen barn till analfabeter undervisning, logi och mat.

 

För sina mångåriga insatser har nu Kumla skola just fått Tuffs pris för berömvärt lokalt solidaritetsarbete. Tuffs vice ordförande Monica Schelin, varje vecka medarbetare i Radio Tuff på 91,4 MHz, berättar:

 

-- Tyresö Ulands- och FredsFörenings pris för ”berömvärt lokalt freds- och solidaritetsarbete” har sedan 1993 vartannat år utdelats till föreningar, grupper och enskilda, från Luleå i norr till Värnamo i söder och Orust i väster. Det består av ett diplom och 7000 kr. Det är inte villkorat, fast nu hoppas vi, att Kumla ska använda pengarna som bidrag till lärares resa till de indiska projekten. Tidigare har många från Kumla besökt Tuff-projekten i Indien och blivit imponerade och inspirerade av hur förvånansvärt mycket och bra som uträttats för pengarna. Men i dag finns ingen kvar på skolan av dessa Indienresenärer.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Bhikhu Vyas:

CONGRATULATIONS TO KUMLA SCHOOL, TYRESÖ

(Gandhianen Bhikhu Vyas är tillsammans med sin fru Kokila och flera medarbetare, både hinduer och muslimer, Tuffs partner sedan 1979.)

 

We in Valod & Dharampur [India] are extremely happy to learn that Ake & Monica will give away TUFF PRIZE to Kumlaskolan on 16th of April. Please accept our heart - felt congratulations. As the pioneer of Sister Schools Cooperation - for organizing most successful Operation One Day’s Work (OODW) year after year - without a break, for last 30 [?] years, there could not be a better choice. OOWD may look small gestures on the face of it; but they have given concrete results : Salaries of Teachers & Food for Students, Buildings, Laboratories, Teaching Aids/ Equipments, Libraries, Sanitary Blocks, Water Works, Electricity . What not ?

 

We have seen all this happening in last two & a half decades, in many a schools in the poorest communities. Sister - Schools is a unique action - oriented concept, in the International Field. Again, Kumla has a habit of breaking former records. Let us salute your spirit of working for schools [and also other community development programs for poor] in our invisible corner, thousands of kilometers away from Tyreso. It had always been a great feeling for all the students and teachers here. I am so delighted to tell you that education [and development] are spreading fast amidst challenging logistics in the isolated commune of Dharampur, on account of generous contribution of Kumlaskolan, followed by many other schools, with wonderful coordination of Tuff.

 

When I am penning this note, my mind goes back to those exciting days, when I had been to your school, first time in 1984 and then several times, during my 7 visits of Sweden. It was an experience of life, to be amidst nice students & teachers, trying to generate support through several creative methods; a mix of fun, commitment and education!

 

While the families all over the world are becoming more and more self - centered, the Swedish Sister Schools Cooperation gives trust in the goodness of the wider society. It is such a delight to learn that there are schools like Kumla far far away, who are thinking of and are concerned for schools in our part of the world, Sister - Schools Cooperation is a practical model of Friendship in Action. In a way, you are joining a mission, targeted finally to peace and development. On account of many little efforts at many places, we may see one day, a new & better world - order. Let me congratulate you for TUFF AWARD & convey best wishes to the lovely students & friendly teachers. I hope that all at Kumla would sustain the traditions established by the stalwarts who are retired and carry forward the Torch

-------------------------------------------

Bhikhu Vyas, Tuffs partner i Indien sedan 1979

 

NEWS LETTER FOR SWEDISH SISTER SCHOOLS

DHARAMPUR
Report April 2009 


EDUCATION

Girls’ Hostel/School
Dharampur team has taken one more step forward. The Girls’ Hostel for Gymnasium is well set after two years. The large rooms remain empty during day – time, when the girls go to different Gymnasiums. So, during last February – March, the Hostel has taken a new shape of a school, for improving quality of education of all our 6 Primary Schools & 2 High Schools. This new direction became possible, because the Hostel is located centrally for all VPSS schools. We are not getting qualified teachers to our satisfaction in those remote schools. Our emphasis is on academic subjects here as finally, most of our students will have to join the main stream.  For schooling in the Hostel, we arranged for a competent teacher for Science - Mathematics subjects and other visiting teachers. At night the students got the opportunity to see educational and informative films. The hostel inmates also were benefited from all this. The Science & Mathematics lessons were arranged in another near by education centre. The Practical were also performed by the students in their laboratory. VPSS appointed a coordinator to run the classes in particular and management in general. As Koki lives in the Hostel itself, she also could devote good amount of time, after teaching.  

We remain worried that our students are good in value – based education like cultural programs, music, dancing, arts, sports, social work [for example mini clinic for people], community life, gardening etc.; but are bit weak on academic side. Enthused with the trial - project as above, we have planned to give it a routine shape of a school from next June. The students of our schools will come to the Hostel, stay there for a week or so turn-by-turn, for learning different subjects intensively. For this purpose, the science equipments as well as more books have just been purchased. VPSS is going to construct Science/Computer Lab. & Library in the Hostel. The classes will continue more systematically there, next year. The training of VPSS teachers will be continuously on as well as special classes of senior grade students in one expert center. We are going to employ qualified teachers from next June. A librarian will coordinate library – work with emphasis on reading habits in all our schools. We used funds of Tuff for the Pilot Project & have got total support for every thing mentioned above from Sweden, for next year.

 Advanced Education
Now that about 25 of our girls are to complete Higher - Secondary Course [12th] VPSS is taking up a program for their further education [after June]. They have joined vacation classes for advanced English and Computer basics. Obviously, not all may be eligible for University; but those who are capable & ambitious must be guided & supported.  They would be almost the first generation going for the University and other advanced courses. [mainly our past students].  We plan to absorb all the girls in our plan of things. Those who are very bright may join science stream. Others may opt for Nursing Diploma & Primary Teachers’ Certificate [PTC}. We have recently visited a few training schools in Gujarat and requested them to give preference to Dharampur girls – coming out first time from the forests for such advanced courses, which may benefit this invisible cluster, in the long run. Those who may not fair well or simply fail in 12th grade will join Vocational/Technical Training, being carried out by VPSS, since last 6 months.  We have received funds for further education in any course from same source, for our girls. 

Vaghval  -  Model School
Recently One Foundation has adopted Vaghval School - Complex [having 160 students in grades : 4-5-6-7-8]. The school will have the 9th grade from next June. This second high - school of VPSS was started in last June. The Trust aspires to make this High School a model one, with their full backing. A fully equipped computer lab., science lab., library building, staff quarters, water – works & new sanitary blocks are fast coming up.  The Foundation will also take care of total running cost of both the Schools [with hostels]. Next year the Foundation is going to help construction of Solar Plant & Gobar Gas Plant as well - for cooking and save fire - wood. The Foundation team repeatedly visited Vaghval, to speed up the process. They are very involved. They will also take care of food [recurring expenses of the hostel], salary and other routine needs.   

In the meeting last week, between the Foundation team & Dharampur team, some goals were specified, to make the school a model. Glimpse of Goals, for next three years: 

1.      To send teachers for additional training & appointing extra subject teachers to upgrade educational standard. The science teacher is through out our ex - student and then was fully supported by VPSS, for his advanced studies.

2.      Child development to be all-round in terms not only of studies but also in other extra curricular activities. All year – round Activity Calendar has been prepared. It would be enforced from next June. It would include field trip, sports festival and cultural day, where all the students should take part.

3.      One Library teacher and one sports teacher to be appointed.

4.      Laboratory will be fully equipped.

5.      Computer room to be set up. 5 computers to be added [with present ones].

6.      Library to be reorganized and expanded.

7.      An Exhaustive Progress Chart of each & every student to be maintained [to be introduced in all 8 VPSS schools & Hostels [now 2], with monitoring on. 

New Boys’ Hostel
After a long wait & exploring many places, VPSS has found out a site for the Hostel for 11th & 12th grade boys [40 - to start with], on the lines of Bilpudi Girls’ Hostel. The site is in a compound of a big High School / Gymnasium Complex, in a remote village near Kaprada [25 km away from Dharampur]. The Trust managing the complex has donated land. The buildings are being constructed with the support of the same donor, who financed all the buildings of the Girls’ Hostel. As no where government is involved, for food & other running cost, support is just received from a Swedish gentleman - concerned for Dharampur progress. The Hostel is being opened for the students who studied in VPSS schools, but will be open for others, depending upon availability of space and infra - structure facilities. The hostel will start from next June. 

Vocational Training – Fastest Program
The fourth batch of youngsters left for a Vocational & Technical Training in the first week of April. This is a new Self - Employment Avenue opening up for youths. There is a mention of this program in our last News Bulletin. This time it broke all records. We generally limit the number to 50 trainees and plan the budget accordingly. In the last batch 71 boys and 28 girls [17/22 age - group] rushed for and joined training. It obviously indicates the measure of interest this program has generated. In our two decades long 'Development March', this is the new program, which we introduced for left - outs [from schools] & unemployed youths - to give them a shift to other jobs - from 'agriculture only' scenario. The training fees, food/stay and travels was quite an amount [about RS 200000 – excluding token contribution from trainees], as the number got doubled. Fortunately Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram of Dharampur approved the entire budget
, with a promise to support those who get settled in self - employment jobs, after completing training. The trainees have opted for Tailoring – Computer Basic – Tally [accounts] – Furniture – Police - Videography – Machinist – Electrician – Mobile Repairing –Secretarial & Spoken English. 120 youths have so far got training, under our plan.  

For those youths [school drop - outs] of the area who completed training, a follow - up program is on way. We have covered the prospective and innovative ones, to start with. It is a livelihood program - jobs - the critical aspect of the dark economic picture in Dharampur. VPSS has giving to 30 of them, tools and equipments at subsidized rates, to set up their small entrepreneurships [like mobile phone repairing shop, sewing machines, carpentry etc.] The initial results are encouraging. More youths are going to be supported on self – employment lines as above, as soon as they complete training.  

Support for New Schools
Some friends expressed interest in supporting only schools. As all our existing schools & hostels [now 10] are getting support from Tuff [through OODWS] and others. As we are not going to start more VPSS schools, we advised them to help other friendly schools in Dharampur & Kaprada. Accordingly, 4 schools have been supported for class – room 


MASS MARRIAGES : GREAT SUCCESS

Roots
The program was initiated in 2006. 7 couples who wanted to take the benefit of 'Mass Marriages', approached Koki, with a request of a loan of rupees 1000 each. They had waited for long, having no money for getting married. To get eligible for performing religious rites [birth - death etc. in the family] they should have formally married, according to local custom. The request was approved and the couples happily got married. They repaid loan in a year, as promised. Honesty is in blood of the poor. 
 

Some friends from Bombay liked the concept - as it proved a great saving for poor tribals and resolved sensitive issue of life. Many of the pairs just could not marry till they are adults or old on account of abject poverty. Of course, they start living together [having children]. In tribal society this is accepted as normal phenomena. The offer of support from Bombay well – wishers was followed by two NGOS jointly in 2007. Furthermore in 2008 V.P.S.S. organized Mass Marriages in 2 villages - totaling 82 couples.  

Further Progress
In the first week of April  2009 86 couples got married at one place. It was gala celebration managed by the village committee. More applications started pouring in, as the marriage date came closer and closer. But as our coordinators found it unmanageable, a few of the couples could not be taken. They will have to wait for one more year. Our coordinators have started dreaming to conduct 100 marriages next year [2010]. Over and above other normal gifts and mass meal attended by 6500 people, on the spur of the moment, Koki announced that all the couples will get 5 mango plants each, as the marriage gift. This is how; even the marriages became the medium of development.

 Mass Marriages in village Matuniya of Kaprada Taluka[County] on 5th of April.
Totally 86 couples participated in this grand function.

Massbröllop i Dharampur, där 86 par vigdes och där fattiga människors bröllopskostnader reducerades radikalt tack vare våra partners insatser,

 The Local expenditure was taken care of from the contribution of the couples - RS 500 [80 SEK] per pair. The community earlier promised to take care of the deficit, if any. This was settled in a week. When we knew of the deficit later on, we spoke to the organizers that VPSS could take care of it. But they were rather firm not to accept our offer. Their logic was : As the families had promised to bridge deficit, they should keep the promise. They even handed over two pairs of dresses to us, which were extra. The leaders who met us told us casually that 5 couples were too poor for even RS 500 contribution and hence they paid only partial amount. The committee allowed them to participate. Fine.

 Traditional Ornaments and Dress Material were gifts from one Bombay Trust. The expenditure for mass meals and other sundry items is a donation by another Bombay Trust. The Vessels, Shawl & Mango Plants are from VPSS [Base : Swedish support].


  Water Management & Food Production 

Check – Dams
For this one year, it was our plan to repair and renovate as many existing and prospective check – dams as possible Accordingly, 40 check – dams have been repaired – deepened and  in a few cases cement [RCC} out – lets have been fixed to make dams more meaningful and strong. Of course, some of our traditional donors approached us with love, to continue with new dams also. Accordingly, 7 new Check – Dams have been constructed [total now 338]. One of the lady donors was so keen about this program, that she stayed in Chandvagan school [one of VPSS schools] & joined our coordinator in planning and constructing the dam [to be named after her family]. She visited Chandvagan twice and stayed there She asked to take help of JCB machine [available there, as the new road was being constructed], for cleaning the debris. Surprisingly, in March, with more digging by machine, water was found. I specially visited this village and was rather excited. Our core – group members came to know of this result and requested us to go ahead with as many old dams as possible, with digging by JCB machines, with their full financial  backing. The work is going ahead on war – footing. Our team hopes to complete 15 dams before it starts raining
. Everything has to be completed before the start of monsoon - when life comes almost to a standstill in many villages of Dharampur and Kaprada. So our small staff is constantly on a move

 Food Production : New Drive
On food - front we are experimenting with moisture – fed crops, which require no or minimal water. We have constructed check - dams to store rain water, built wells, bunds and given oil engines. They are no doubt proving useful; but only where water is available. For those fields without such support programs, this moisture - fed winter crop may prove a great boon. We experimented with 200 families last winter, giving the farmers subsidized seeds. I have visited some fields with standing crops and found them a success. Again, these crops got ready just in 3 months. For example, 5 kg  seeds resulted in 50 kg grains. Based on the success of this pilot project, our team has planned to expand the project to 1000 families [or more] in next winter. The support for this ambitious plan has just been received. Education is no doubt very important in that illiterate society; but jobs are so vital, for that almost unemployed mass - having zero job opportunities, accept in agriculture. In this typical scenario, first comes food and then [simultaneously] education. As Ake Sandin [Tuff - Sweden] once wrote : Food First

 Rain Water Harvesting Tanks
One NGO ‘Step In’ [from Switzerland] supported family – unit 'Rain Water Harvesting Tank’ [RWHT] program. Two ladies from that group earlier visited Dharampur. As planned with them 7 RWHTS, fitted with hand – pump have been constructed, of course, with labor contribution of the beneficiaries. That was the Target. ‘Step In’ has also contributed for Greeting Cards and additional mango plantation. Based on the experience gained, a new plan for RWHTS has just been devised.  We feel that RWHT program is the only solution for acute water – crisis as on today, in Dharampur Cluster.  

Mango Plantation
The vigorous planning & practical preparations for distribution of 10,000 mango saplings [will total 1,00,000 next monsoon] is very much on. The funding is from Tuff, as is happening for the last decade & a half. One Rotary Club of Bombay has shown special interest in this program – as a Forest Conservation Program also. Some experts from the Club, who visited Dharampur earlier, have listed some trees to be planted for water retention. We discussed the idea with our field – workers and have decided to give to the people such plants, along with mangoes. The Bombay Club is to support the expansion.  .


IN BRIEF 

·         11th grade Hostel girls went on a study trip in Gujarat

·         A new Trust has been registered to manage expanding programs with local support - coming on increasing scale. Good prospects for future development

·         9 wells are under construction and are about to compete

·         PVC pipe - lines given to 15 farmers for extending small irrigation from wells

·         4 oil – engines given for the same purpose [Pipes and engines at half price]

·         The newly designed family latrines program will be implemented after monsoon. We are negotiating at present, with a friendly expert NGO.

·         As always Dharampur Project is attracting many visitors. There were 40 groups [one 23 members team from Rotary Club of Bombay, who supported 40 check – dams earlier as well as has partially adopted one school] and individuals like : Doctors  - Clubs – Support Groups – Teachers – Social Activists,  Bombay Colleagues active in  Field Work  &  Project. Management.

·         Some drawings of VPSS schools were selected by ‘Step In’ friends. First they screen - printed them as Cards in Switzerland & sold them to support 'Rain Water Harvesting Tanks'. In the second round, more Cards were selected and printed in Bombay through one of our activist colleagues Bhavana [They became friends]. She got 3,000 cards screen - printed likewise. 1,000 of them have been sent to Tuff and 1000 have been sent to ‘Step In’. They bore the entire cost. The rest are for the well – wishers of Dharampur Project.

·         Two Health Check – Up camps were organized in Tamachhadi by one NGO Health Care Trust. 2500 people took advantage of the camps, where free medicines also were given. The students of all the schools were checked by different voluntary groups, with a follow – up treatment of about 50 students, for various diseases. 5 serious patients were given guidance & support.

·         A model ‘Village Development Plan’ [as Pilot Project] is being worked out. It is to be implemented after June - 2009 onwards. Total support is offered for it.

·         A well is being constructed in the Girls’ Hostel, as the number of water - users is growing. One Sister School from Sweden is going to work for this well.

·         10 students from Dharampur joined Vacation  Camp [Vanasthali – VPSS]

·         One American Foundation decided to contribute for school – development.

·         A post – graduate student from Gujarat University joined Tamachhdi, to visit Schools & Rural reconstruction programs, for field experience as part of study

Bhikhu Vyas & Kokila Vyas

VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI

Tuff Friendship House: VEDCHHI : 394641

[January – February – March – April : 2009]

IN THIS LIFE WE CAN’T DO GREAT THINGS

WE CAN ONLY DO SMALL THINGS, WITH GREAT LOVE

MOTHER TERESA

 

A journey of thousand miles must begin with a single step 

LAI -TZE

 

   RELIGION OF POOR

I happened to visit a farmer who grew winter crop under our seeds support program. He was describing his experience with great joy. He was telling us that he hopes to grow more food – grains from this second crop. A visitor accompanying me asked him ’ What will you do with more production ? ’ Prompt came the reply : ‘ Will do Dharam [religion]. I will distribute some food - grains to my 4 brothers & a  sister. The rest we will use in family. I am not selling this food grains’

 

 

 

 

   DHARAMPUR - BULLETIN
January 2009 

 

SWEDEN

 

 The Next Five Year Plan [2009 – 2013] : Roots

 

The plan developed likewise. First is a summary of Åke’s letter, followed by my response  

 

  • ‘The Minister for Foreign Aid means that Swedish foreign aid shall focus still more on democracy. But I doubt that “democracy” and “freedom” in the Bombay or Western style are the top priorities of poor illiterate people, with hungry children. My recent headline in my column is a quotation from the radical German writer Bertolt Brecht, who said: “First comes food, then morality”. In it I tell about how the Koytas [the name given to sugar cane cutters here] accepted the Balwadies [child – centers], when their children were given also a mini meal’. {Explanation: In Vedchhi area of Gujarat VPSS worked maximum for 2500 migrant kids in 65 Child Centers [Balwadies] finally, two decades ago; with an exemplary and total support from Tuff. [The roots of the proposed Plan are in this letter from Ake.]  
  • ‘How nice that you now have a Minister for Foreign Aid! Her emphasis on ‘Democracy First’ is very stimulating. Yes, for poor and illiterate people, with hungry children, it is ‘Food First’. Your reference to Koyata Balwadies was so appropriate. I strongly feel that democracy with continuing poverty is no democracy. Just an idea is born in my brain. Could the Swedish lady minister work out a Tripartite Project, [with TUFF - VPSS - SIDA collaborating], a time - bound program of eradication of poverty and attacking illiteracy, in Dharampur Block - a model plan?  Dharampur is perhaps most deserving’. [Bh.]
  • ‘Thank you for interesting texts for a better and more solidarity economy. In this week's Radio Tuff some parts are about world economy. The journalist Bror Perjus wrote a book several years ago, with the title: 'The Casino Earth' about the wild world economy of speculations. He is quoted from a Tuff meeting last Tuesday, when he told that 98 (!!!) % of world trade is currency transactions. Only 2 % is real economy, i.e. goods’. [Ake] 
  • A bit about my idea [not a serious proposal] of some sort of a special ‘Poverty Eradication – Project’ in Dharampur Block. We could work out a detailed Plan [Find broad summary below].  Dharampur pauses a challenge to the economists, planners, activists & intellectuals: We are here to support, dear intellectuals. Dharampur is a test case. Find sustainable solution of starvation [employment] –drinking water crisis & illiteracy. If not we, some people in future could carry forward the torch of progress’. The plan is for them, if not for us, old ones’. [Bh.]

  TOTAL BUDGET: RUPEES 60650000

    Programs: 7130000 x 5 Years =  RS: 35650000

[YEARLY COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION RS. 5000000: TOTAL: RS. 25000000]

 

 The ‘News Letter’ used by our Sister Schools in Sweden

 

‘Nice to learn that your school organized ‘Open - House Day' [or OODW – other schools]].  Those new ones working for our schools could not have an idea, what a job they have been doing for our resource - starved schools in poor communities, situated amidst challenging logistics, in vast Dharampur Block. It is a unique example of what kids could achieve, given the leadership of spirited teachers & wonderful coordinating role of Tuff – our Swedish partner NGO.  

 

I want to tell especially to the new teachers [and all other Sister Schools for that matter] that Dharampur Project has taken a holistic shape in last 2 decades [report just published].  Education has remained our prime concern all these years, in this illiterate society. Main credit goes to the schools like yours, to make it possible. How nice that one teacher moved with my 'News Letter' to every class, telling the pupils ‘Dharampur Success Story’. Our schools try to impart education with social concern, having emphasis on culture & fine arts. In the field of education we have now reached to:  6 primary schools, 2 Secondary School [up to 10th], Mobile Van for 8 Government Primary Schools, a Hostel for 11th–12th grade girls and the latest - Vocational Training.  Our schools have as well become the centers of socio - economic growth, in the locality.

 

While the world is becoming strife - torn, self - centered and economically chaotic [of late], the Sister Schools Cooperation - a marvelous concept gives an eternal hope.   It is such a nice feeing for all of us here, to learn that there are schools, working hard for them, improving their record year after year. The teachers as well as the students obviously will come and go, but the Sister - Schools Cooperation has come to stay.  This is a fond hope. Ultimately we survive on hope. It is simply great and inspiring. Thanks.

                    [Summary of a letter written to one Sister – School of Sweden]

 

Visitors from Sweden

Two friends from Sweden visited Dharampur. Orjan [82] came with his grandson. They visited Schools – Girl’s hostel – Check Dams – Soil Bunding and other on - going programs. 2 yeas back an Indian friend brought Orjan to Dharampur. Later on, he generously supported Dharampur work. Even during this visit, he offered support for a bicycle for the principal at Tamachhadi [as she had to run often between primary & secondary schools], stitching machines for the Girls’ Hostel and school – uniforms. The funds reached us. He was all praise for Mass Marriages and promised support for the next occasion. He visits India almost every year, since more than 40 years [?], to meet his friend [referred above] & to study development issues [and also to involve] as well as its solutions. He is a great lover of India and very well - informed. He has also given talks on R. Tuff. His main intention was to make his grand son [about 20] aware of Rural India and its problems. An excerpt [a portion in his own words] from a letter of Magnus:

 

I would like to thank you for my best trip ever in my whole life. Dharampur has a really beautiful landscape and when we went to all your schools and met all these wonderful children, I get a memory for life.  Your work with children and education is very inspiring. It really touched my heart’.

 

Visitors from Switzerland

They were two ladies – one from Switzerland and another one, originally a Swede. The former  [Fikki] was born in India, loved the country intensely and has regularly kept in touch with issues and some families, known to her from her childhood. The other lady [Maria] and Fikki became friends in Switzerland. The common thread - love & concern for poor. As they heard about Dharampur and came to know about Tuff [Web site] and very naturally VPSS activities in Dharampur, they started correspondence with me. Ake interviewed Maria on R. Tuff and put them in contact with me. Both of them had almost the identical tour plan in Dharampur as above. Of course, they visited other NGOS also. I think they were most impressed with our children’ drawings, rain water harvesting tanks and the mango plantation program, over and above schooling. We frankly told them that no funds are required for existing schools and other programs. But they carried with them Greeting Cards of our kids & got them screen - printed. They sent me copies and informed me that their NGO [I think in formation] planned to sell the cards and would like

to support some programs in Dharampur from the income of the cards. I have regularly kept in touch with both of them, as I was highly impressed with their commitment and mature understanding of the burning issues, faced by poor. [Their report is available].

Am tempted to pick up a paragraph [shortened] from a long report of the group, to Ake:

 

Bhikhu took us around the area in a jeep for two days and showed us the work that they have been doing, with the help of TUFF and other donors over the past 22 years. We were able to see a check dam, view some soil-bunding projects, visit some mango plantations and most importantly, spend time at three of the seven schools that have been built for the tribal children. These schools are hugely impressive – not only for their commitment to the children, the dedication of the teachers and the obvious well-being of the children, but also for their philosophy, which quite clearly permeates every aspect of the schools. Education at these schools is much more than just the three “R”s (reading, writing and arithmetic), although these basic skills are certainly not neglected. But the intention is to educate children in the widest possible sense – to be ethical and productive members of their own society. Even the appearance of the schools, the little aesthetic details which show themselves in the organization of the tree-shaded gardens and the tribal decorations, painted on the walls, are part of the philosophy of teaching the children to appreciate harmonious surroundings and a pride in their heritage.’

 

Indian – Swedish – American Friend

It was a chance meeting with one Mr. Kiran Gandhi, some 3 months back. When I came to know that he lived in Sweden for many years [and in America by turn] and still has a house in Stockholm, the dimension of relationship totally changed. The result went on developing gradually. He is now associated with Tuff, contacted them, had even visited Ake in his home & has spoken on Radio Tuff. He is going to visit Dharampur shortly

 

Mango Plantation

The planning to distribute 10,000 more mango saplings in next monsoon is in full swing at the moment.  We are likely to touch the figure of 100000 plants. This program is being supported by Tuff all the last 18 years, without a break. The reports are pouring in from Sweden, that more and more people are attracted to this eco - friendly program.       

 

New Lorry

The old one, purchased with the help of TUFF has been replaced with a new one, cutting short almost half the cost, as the Tata Company offered good price for the old one. The lorry is extremely useful in ever - expanding project, mainly for transporting food grains & vegetables etc. for so many schools in remote villages, food grain [wages] for construction of dams, wells and soil – bunding as well as school – buildings. Great.


 

 

 INDIA

 

Vocational Training : New Chapter of  the ‘March’

VPSS has started Vocational and Technical Training Program [referred earlier], with the help of one Institute near Ahmedabad. The first batch got nice training. The next batch of 44 completed training two months ago. Looking at the enthusiasm of the trainees [now 100], VPSS decided to ask for 25 % contribution for training fees. The response was overwhelming. That indicates the measure of success of this 6 months old employment [livelihood] program. It has started giving quick results in the area of skilled employment, a welcome diversion from ‘only agricultural’ economy of Dharampur. A follow up plan to rehabilitate those trained in first batch was worked out in the meeting held in the Girls’ Hostel. 15 boys & 10 girls who decided to start their own enterprise [repairing machines, tailoring, computers, mobile telephones etc] have been given 50 % support of about 50,000 rupees. The rest was their contribution. They were handed over tools and machine - kits in the Hostel itself. Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram of Dharampur provided the funds for training as well as support for tools. They have further offered help for next 5 batches. The target is to train 250 youths, on lines as before.  This has proved the fastest livelihood program, in this employment – starved block. Very good potentiality.

 

Re - Housing :  New Idea

A large group of 22 Rotarians of Bombay visited some schools, check – dams and other projects in Dharampur. The Club has continued taking interest in our activities, after the check - dams program was earlier executed to their satisfaction.  They have now adopted [75% support] one school [Chandvagan]. They gave hints to support more programs next year, which may get substantial aid from Rotary International [US]. We immediately handed over them three proposals as follows, after discussion with them: [1] Water - Harvesting [2] Vocational Training as well as Support for the next year. [3] Re - Housing program as a modest trial. This plan is based on a design, where the families could be supported for material up to concrete plinth [cement], as the wooden structure in this very heavy rain area does not last for more than 5/7 years. The rest the beneficiaries are supposed to build – as they will have material from old houses. If approved, this is new and land mark area in which VPSS may be entering, just as a trial.

 

Another Hostel

One more hostel for boys [11/12th grades] is on the cards. The support is offered by the same source, which provided total fund for Bilpudi Girls‘ Hostel [for Gymnasium]. Finally we have found suitable place in a village close to Kaprada town. Both Koki & I recently visited the site – in the existing High School - cum - Gymnasium Complex It is still interior and poorer than Dharampur – adjoining to it. The construction is well on way. For practical reasons we have provided lodging - boarding facilities to a few students who studied earlier in Tamachhadi High School. For example Pandu [referred in earlier N. L.]  was studying in a Gymnasium. He is from a village 60 km away from Dharampur. Having no hostel facility, he hired [with a group] a room in nearby village. While walking down to school he met with a serious jeep - accident. Fortunately he got recovered. Along with a few boy students now he is accommodated in an extra room in the Girls’ Hostel Complex

 

Recasting Dams Program

The execution of massive repairs and renovation program of the existing check – dams has started. The outlets in 18 dams have been constructed, to control flow if water, just before the monsoon is about to depart. Furthermore, the re - construction is to start soon for deepening and widening some dams. The sites for 20 new dams have been selected, following the demand from the community. The construction will be carried out by the community, as is the pattern, developed during last decade of mud – stone check dams.   The support and the promises of support have started coming, for over a million and a quarter rupees budget of repairs and new dams. Before embarking upon the program as above, the survey of all 336 check – dams was completed. A blue – print got worked out, taking village leaders into confidence. About 50 dams are irreparable. This is the picture.

 

Library & other Training Camps

A two – day camp of 25 senior teachers and 20 students was held in the Girls' Hostel. The topic: Proper use of library and good reading habit. Three University professors guided the lot. In the Girls’ Hostel we have a well – set Petersons’ Reading Room. It  proved very useful. There were also 3 other camps for teachers and students as above, in the Hostel: One for drawing, one for songs/music and one for introducing new books. As indicated earlier, The Girls’ Hostel is becoming the centre of all VPSS activities in Dharampur in particular, visitors [accommodation available] & management in general.

 

Record Visitors

Mainly during the monsoon the record of visitors was broken this year. The stream continued after monsoon also; touching the figure of 90, mainly in groups as well as individually. All of them were genuine supporters of one activity or the other and quite a few, even contributed their ideas. Decidedly, one and all were well – wishers of Dharampur March. They were from Bombay support group, activists joining hand in field – work as well as future planning, University students, professors, journalists, doctors, auditors, artists, sister NGOS, VPSS friends [Valod] and those who are regular donors.

 

Health  

The parents rushed to the Hostel to seek aid for their three days old child. She had no hole for passing motion. The child was already admitted to a costly hospital in Dharampur town. Our workers approached the hospital. After great persuasion, they allowed the child to be shifted to Shrimad Rajchandra Trust Hospital, after taking a heavy fee. The child was operated and finally recovered, with nominal cost, provided by the Project. One of our lady teachers was taken up seriously ill, while one training camp at the Hostel was in progress. She got emergency treatment in S. Rajchandra hospital.

4 other critical cases like this and a few minor cases were helped or given guidance.

 

Tribute to Dharampur

I am immensely happy with the direction that my son has found after his interactions with all of you. I think that by bringing him to Dharampur, I have given him a gift that will last for lifetime. [From an auditor mother of a bright student of Bombay, due to join University]

 

Social scientists of the world unite. You have to invent a new social force to build new world - new man - new age

 

The slogan above and the Proclamation below of ‘World Social Forum’

                

ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE !

                                                      

                                       

                                         NEWS IN BRIEF

 

  • The ‘Mobile Van’ is working well, Two qualified teachers are doing a good job. It has generated good interest in 7 government Primary Schools.
  • We have visited 4 new good schools [non – VPSS] and hostels. Some Indian donors have provided support for the reconstruction of old buildings there. We are also cooperating in expansion programs in Gymnasium schools run by other NGOS and supported by Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram of Dharampur.
  • The planning is on for 100 Mass – Marriages in next March..
  • An experimental program of winter – cropping [second moisture crop, after monsoon] is being undertaken in two clusters, with 500 families. The results will be analyzed and an extensive program will follow, on the basis of the findings.           

·       The second residential high – school [grade 8] by VPSS in Vaghval, [30 students] is making good progress. Government approval [without aid] for 5th grade has just received. Gradually we will have 6th & 7th standard there.  In two years’ time, it will be a full-fledged unit [5th to 10th], like now we have in Tamachhadi The 4th Primary School at Vankhas [starting with 4th & 5th grades] has also been approved by the government. Actually our application was rejected by District Office. Then we made an appeal to the state authority. Finally we got permission.  

·         VPSS received sports items as a gift for all the schools and the Girls’ Hostel.

·         Scholarships program for higher education [mainly teachers’ training is continuing with 4 trainees.  They will finish studies in April and then will join us.

 

              

                         THE SUCCESS STORY : CHIMAN

 

Chiman was a young boy of about 18 – in a half pent, when I visited Tamachhadi [ now famous ] for the very first time, invited by some young volunteers. They wanted to know us and more so, what we intend to do [no road – map at that time] in this forest and mountains. Chiman was on the road, where I got confused. He directed me to the hamlet where a small group was waiting for me. Later on chiman became an activist volunteer leader in Tamachhadi and around [followed by many others]. He joined the project briefly in the start; but left us to look after agriculture of the family. His parents were old.

 

About three months back, he met Koki in the hostel, as he had a problem. His daughter [now again 18] is studying in one Primary Teachers‘ Training College, in a village, about 7 km from Dharampur town. Along with other college students, she hired a room in Dharampur town. It was very costly and was found risky. Chiman wanted his daughter to be admitted in the Girls’ Hostel. That is gladly done. What a journey of about 22 years!

 

   

       VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI

Tuff Friendship House : Vedchhi : 394641 : T. Valod : D. Surat INDIA

(02625)220154 & 222451 for Vedchhi - (02633) 293698 for Dharampur - Mo. 9879569535         [September – October – November -December: 2

Bhikhu Vyas & Kokila Vyas

 

 NYÅRSHÄLSNING 2009 FRÅN BHIKHU VYAS
 

Bhikhu Vyas har i 30 år varit Tyresö Ulands- och FredsFörenings (Tuff)  främsta partner i Indien, där han och hans medarbetare på ett beundransvärt sätt förvaltat pengarna från Tuff, vilka därför har räckt till förbluffande mycket: Många skolor, hundratals brunnar, 90 000 mangoträd och mycket annat.

 

De senaste åren har projekten koncentrerats till Dharampur, ett bergigt område i delstaten Gujarat, ca 25 mil norr om Mumbai (Bombay). Där finns ett par hundra små byar, bebodda av tribals, de fattigaste av de fattiga.

LET OUR FRIENDSHIP & MESSAGE OF LOVE GROW IN 2009 

All of us wish the listeners of Radio Tuff and other colleagues, a peaceful and pleasant New Year. The 'March' in  Dharampur is well in a take - off stage, Our schools, generously supported by Swedish Sister Schools and nicely coordinated by Tuff are like spring - boards for community development.  We will like to congratulate Radio Tuff in particular, as a voice of peace, a pre condition for progress and justice. If we take into account pre - Dharampur decade, around 25 schools got support from Swedish Sister Schools: 
A land- mark [totals three decades now in 2009] of unique cooperation, between  two NGOS : TUFF and VPSS . 

 

2008 was a record, having the highest ever support for schools from Tuff.  With an addition of one more high school in 2008, along with a hostel for Gymnasium Girls;  we now have 9 educational units as well as a Mobile van, trying to upgrade educational standard of 8 village primary schools.

The Mass Marriages [82 in 2008 & 100 on way in 2009]  and  the Vocational Training Program for school drop-outs are 2 mile-stones of 2008, in our journey for progress. Only last month, 50 first batch trainees gathered in the Girls' Hostel and chalked 0ut self employment - livelihood program. 20 youngsters have got sewing machines and other tools, to start their jobs, at their door steps. 

 

A massive vocational training for jobs for 250 youths on pattern as  above will be implemented in 2009. An experiment is under way with 100 families to take second crop [not rain-fed] may be mentioned as a new project of 2008-2009. A plan to repair about 300 existing check - dams is being implemented and will be continued in 2009. 6500 mango saplings were planted in 2008. Our plans are to cross 100 000 mark in 2009. This plan has been exclusively and constantly supported by Tuff since 1992, as a priority demand from people. It is a practical, sustainable and eco-friendly livelihood program, at the door-steps of the community. The students of our schools are encouraged to grow more plants, with the help of their parents. They get the message in the annual Guardians’ Meets. This is an innovative program, to link schools and community. A re-housing program in Dharampur Block replacing old huts, requiring repeated repairs is on the cards, as a new venture in 2009.

 

Not only India, but the whole world - including the developed countries is passing through unprecedented crisis today. If we aspire  a new social order - A CHANGE - all of us will have to become change agents. I hope, we will rise to the challenge ahead, in 2009. 

 

  

         "Every poor person at some stage is a risk for the rich "

 

 

2006-2008

Från Bhiku kom i årets sista minuter denna sammanfattning av 20 års Dharampur-projekt.
Förutom detta har TUFF  i många år finansierat ett 50-tal stora skoltält med elementär
undervisning för ca 3000 barn till säsongarbetande sockerrörshuggare.
 
 

TWO DECADES : TOTAL RESULT

[1988 – 2008]

(1) 6 primary schools, 2 high schools, 1 girl’s hostel [850 students] Computers have been introduced in all these schools.  (11)  90,000 mango saplings distributed in hamlets at 50 % price.
(2) 50 training camps conducted for colleges & voluntary groups.  (12)  70,000 common and forest trees given away to the people.
(3) 70 students guided & helped for higher education & training. (13) 25,000 mango plants raised in schools. Distributed to guardians.
(4) 125 wells constructed, 25 reconstructed and 10 bore-wells fixed as also built 7 rain - water - harvesting tanks with   initiative of & planning as well as labor contribution of people. (14) Provide 4,000 packets of improved vegetable seeds every year.
(5) 203 oil engines given at half price at the doorsteps, in hamlets. (15) Conducted mass – marriages program [82 couples] in two remote villages last year. The program followed local initiative.

      (6)

1900 hectares of land reclaimed or repaired under soil – bunding program. Cultivation is taking place in the new fields. (16)

2,300 male/buffaloes brought from long distance and given  away to 1,150 poorest families, only for transport cost.

      (7)

336 mud-stone check dams constructed on ‘Food for Work’ lines, with nearly 45 % labor contribution of the beneficiaries.  Irrigation [yearly] takes place in about 1000 hectares of land. (17) Well – equipped Mobile Van, managed by qualified teachers takes regular rounds in Government Primary Schools to provide supplementary education [regular subjects and general knowledge].

      (8)

40 Primary Health check - up camps have been conducted. (18)

 A Technical & Vocational Training Program started last year. One batch of 46 completed training and another batch of 42 is getting it.

(9)

75 serious patients guided & supported substantially. Yearly about 500 patients get free medicines for common diseases through our schools, breaking the cycle of which–doctors.

(19) Winter crop, based only on moisture in the soil has been introduced on a trial basis in 1000 families, with 50 % share by  beneficiaries.

    (10)

Under 'Mother & Child Care'plan support given [2000 women]. The program is being reshaped with family kitchen gardens. (20)

A follow – up program for self  employment [livelihood] directed to those who  have undergone training has been initiate with 25 youths.

       

     [IMPLEMENTED BY VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI – DHARAMPUR BRANCH]

 

 

   LOUD THOUGHTS ABOUT BOMBAY BLASTS
 

 
We are terribly shocked are as if non-plus for the barbaric attacks in Mumbai - significantly the financial capital of India. This is the worst and unprecedented act of terrorism, after independence. We also suffer for the innocent people, who lost their lives. But as social activists we feel that, what ever the motives, in real terms, this is an attack against poor of all communities and the development process. Poverty affects all sections of the society, irrespective of cast and creed. The real issues facing the society are shortage of food as well as drinking water, ill - health, mal - nutrition, illiteracy and deprivation in all aspects of day - to - day life. These burning issues take the back seat and the non - issues come to the surface. We have no role and no power in this drama, which make us all the more miserable. The only saving grace is that, in spite of series of such incidents, the poor and middle class, though not above communal passion are not jumping into rioting as before and there is no noise of war with neighbors. This is the measure of wisdom and conviction that violence and war never solve problems. It seems that the society is not going to be divided on communal lines. Here the terrorists and the elements backing them are failing in their hidden agenda. They are repeating the attacks, perhaps with a hope that one day they will succeed, in dividing the society on communal lines, with all its disastrous consequences.
We have to see to it that they do not succeed and the ' Development March ' is not halted. Finally communal forces are not going to make head way, as both the communities are tired of rioting. They want to live in peace & security. Of course, the sane element will have to make their presence felt
It seems, there is nothing like governance in this vast country. We cannot expect better performance from ordinary police as the custodians of law and order; knowing fully well from day - to - day experiences [also from the beauracracy and the political leaders] their level of morality. Unfortunately, the politicians do not miss an opportunity to play politics out of anything and everything, not sparing such humanitarian and sensitive issues. In my opinion, politicians of all parties are to be blamed for this state of affairs. They either are concerned for the political advantage [votes - finally leading them to power] or still more interested in discrediting rest of the parties. Eventually, this leads to political corruption, at all levels. What we vitness is the failure of the system. Our political system has to be cleansed from corruption and unethical means. The terror attack is an off shoot of this situation. It requires political will for communal harmony & against hate.

BHIKHU VYAS
27 Nov 2008
[Highly upset and not in good frame of mind, at the moment]

 

TUFF INSPIRERADE GRUPP I BASEL!

 

I somras (2008) kontaktades Tuff av Maria Ström-Nilsson. Hon bor i Basel och har som barnmorska varit biståndsarbetare i Zimbabwe, där hon bland annat kände familjen Mugabe, innan Mugabe blev alltför självsvåldig. Om det har hon berättat både på Succékanalen 91,4 och i Radio Tuff. Klicka på ”Arkiv” i www.tyresöradion.se , så hörs intervjuerna.

 

En av hennes vänner i Schweiz, Nikki Borer, har en bakgrund i Indien. Hon, Maria  och några till funderade på att göra en insats för fattiga tribals (stambefolkningen) i Dharampur, där Tuff i många år har finansierat skolor, hundratals brunnar, dammar, 90 000 mangoträd med mera.

 

De både kvinnorna i Basel upptäckte den här hemsidan, kontaktade Tuff, som förmedlade kontakten till Tuffs indiska partners Bhikhu och Kokila.

 

Här kommer på engelska deras rapport efter besöket i Indien:


Maria Ström-Nilsson.

A visit to the Dharampur area, 4 – 6 October 2008

We are a group of friends living and working in Switzerland, who became interested earlier this year in the tribal areas around Dharampur. In February three of us, my Irish friend Esther, my 18-year-old son Benedict and myself, visited a tribal school near Dharampur, and decided that we would like to find out more about this interesting area and its needs. By coincidence one of our group – Maria Ström-Nilsson – is actually Swedish, and when we “found” TUFF on the internet, Maria immediately got in touch with Åke Sandin in Stockholm. Maria was able to meet with Åke twice on visits to Stockholm, and to discuss with him the work that TUFF has supported in this area. Åke also put us in touch with Bhikhu and Kokila Vyas, and after much emailing, Maria and I visited the Dharampur area again in early October, and spent two days with Bhikhu and Kokila.

 

Bhikhu was a wonderful host, taking us around the area in a jeep for two days and showing us the work that he and Kokila have been doing with the help of TUFF and other donors over the past 22 years. We were able to see a check dam, view some soil-bunding projects, visit some mango plantations and, most importantly, spend time at three of the seven schools that have been built for the tribal children by Bhikhu and Kokila. These schools are hugely impressive – not only for their commitment to the children, the dedication of the teachers, and the obvious well-being of the children, but also for their philosophy, which quite clearly permeates every aspect of the schools. Education at these schools is much more than just the three “R”s (reading, writing and arithmetic) although these basic skills are certainly not neglected. But the intention is to educate children in the widest possible sense – to be ethical and productive members of their own society. Even the appearance of the schools, the little aesthetic details which show themselves in the organization of the tree-shaded gardens and the tribal decorations painted on the walls, are part of the philosophy of teaching the children to appreciate harmonious surroundings and a pride in their heritage and their own accomplishments.

 

We were lucky to be in the area just after the monsoon; the landscape was green and lush, and the reddish-brown earth of the school-yards a very restful change from the grey concrete we had seen everywhere else. We were always expected, entertained, fed, and looked after so well that we were almost overwhelmed by the hospitality. In return, we pestered Bhikhu with a huge number of questions that he answered courteously and with enormous patience. I think when we left that he was quite exhausted! We hope he has recovered since.

 

While visiting the girls’ hostel near Dharampur, we were also lucky enough to meet with Bhavna Shah, Hiten Shah and Mitesh Kumar – all of whom contribute so much time and work to these projects. In Mumbai we visited Bhavna again, as we had still more questions for her, and she generously gave us more of her time (and a delicious lunch!). And always we asked ourselves: if the situation were reversed, and we in Europe were the hosts and they the unexpected visitors from India, would we be as generous with our hospitality to complete strangers? I wonder …

 

We would like to thank everyone who took the time and trouble to take us around and talk to us, but most particularly Bhikhu, Kokila and Bhavna. And we sincerely congratulate TUFF on the work they have supported over so many years in this beautiful but disadvantaged area of India. The results are inspirational.

 

Nikki Borer and Maria Ström-Nilsson

Basel, Switzerland

 
 

Also see: 3 TUFF members visiting India in early 2008

 

  DHARAMPUR NEWS LETTER


 Aug. 2008


Bhikhu with new laptop.

TUFF SWEDEN 

Congratulations: Radio Tuff
Our admiration goes most for the role played by Radio Tuff as the voice of peace and advocate for progress at the grass – roots, in the developing world. We have experienced it firstly in Valod Cluster and more intensely in Dharampur - an isolated block in India, where only materialistically poor tribes reside. Both VPSS & TUFF have an identical line, as the schools are our entry – points for progress.   May be around 25 schools got support from Swedish Sister Schools, firstly in Valod area and since last two decades in remote Dharampur villages, having challenging logistics. Of course, all our non - schools development programs as well in Dharampur found a supporting and effective voice in Radio TUFF.  My frequent reports got substantial coverage, resulting into excellent information delivery to the schools when they organize OODW and also on individual level. In propagating the ideal of Universal Brotherhood R. Tuff has played wonderful role.

Record Mango – Plantation
Mango saplings distribution plan exclusively and constantly supported by Tuff since 1992 is one of the most successful programs in a large area of Dharampur Block. It is a practical, sustainable and eco-friendly livelihood program at the door - steps of the community, in remote villages. No skills required, as it is in the blood of the people and not much land also required. It is like part - time job, resulting in nourishing food–supplant and additional income for poor people. April - May - June are the months when they deeply feel the pinch of poverty. It is a very cheap & simple program as well - just 6 to 7 SEK per best quality plant, with 50 % contribution from the beneficiaries. With the record distribution of 6,500   plants in the last monsoon, so far totally 90,000 saplings have reached to the people. We have planned to distribute 10,000 more mango plants next year, touching the magic figure of 100000. About 60,000 trees [now] are giving fruits, increasing the quantity of grown up trees, year after year. The survival rate is 80 % [approximately]. The students of our schools are encouraged to grow more plants, with the help of their parents. They get the message in the annual Guardians’ Meets. This is an innovative program, to link schools and community.

Special Project of Tyreso Skola
The problem of drinking water in Tamchhadi boys' hostel [High School] was on our priority list. The school has two hand pumps, which dry out in summer. The water - works of the village [from where they were getting water] was not functioning well of late. There are 70 boys [8/9/10] and other staff of 10 people in the hostel. [The girls stay in the Primary Section]. We have resolved drinking water problem there by digging a well in the river - bed and constructing two under - ground 'Rain Water Harvesting Tanks'.
We wanted to resolve the problem on the same lines, in the high school as well, by constructing a 'Rain Water Harvesting Tank' with storage capacity of about 75,000 liters [to be used in summer]. The engineers of a sister Trust organization worked out a rough estimate. He estimated the cost of about rupees 1,50,000. It roughly comes to rupees 2 per liter. Last year Tyreso School [new entry in Sister – School Cooperation], provided support for Mobile Van. Great. This time the School approved the Tank Project. It is constructed and is filled with rain water. Now drinking water problem of the school/hostel will be resolved in summer. 
Se ny hälsning från Bhikhu

 

 Wonderful Support from Swedish Sister Schools
The regular support coming from other Sister Schools [on increasing scale] is so moving on emotional level and encouraging on practical level. They are helping VPSS to run 2 schools fully and 4 schools partially. Every word coming from Ake, giving the news after news of the performance of the schools listed below was bubbling with great joy. The schools are breaking all the previous records. The total collection from all the sources touched all – time high figure of SEK 300 000.
The Sister Schools have made the entry & expansion of education possible in D.

[1] Södertörns  Friskola - Huddinge    
[2] Alléskolan - Floda                   
[3] Kumla skola, - Tyresö                   
[4] Bergtorpsskolan - Täby
[5] Strandskolan - Tyresö
[6] Finninge – Strängnäs 

INDIA

Support form a Small Group  
Ingrid visited Dharampur & other Tuff Projects with her two sons long back.  What an involvement of her and her neighbors, who arranged a flee market for Dharampur. The support coming likewise has a shuttle message of Gandhi & the famous economist Shoemaker:  Small is Beautiful.
 
Petersons’ Reading Room
We have all praise for those who contributed for Petersons’ Reading Room, to commemorate birthdays of Margaretha & Gunnar, both lovers of Dharampur. The Reading Room is .now ready in the Girls’ Hostel - Bilpudi. The couple has been very active in cooperation in general and between Tuff/VPSS in particular.    Great.
 
More Wells
Olga Well With the contributions of their friends and two activist daughters: Delby and Diana. Earlier Edmundo well was constructed in the memory of late husband of Olga. This is another well. The couple [family] will be remembered fondly in this spirited way in Dharampur. The couple worked for Tuff as also their daughters.
Tyreso Rotary Well : The contributions came from the members of Tyreso Rotary, through Tuff. Once I visited the Club and had the proud privilege of speaking to the members of the Rotary club in Tyreso.


Hostels for Gymnasium Students
This is the second year of the Girls' Hostel for the Gymnasium level [11 – 12 grades] students in Bilpudi. There are 38 girls. A Rain Water Harvesting Tank is ready by now, filled with rain water – to be used in next March & April. VPSS has received two Sewing machines and 4 computers. The girls now learn computer in extra time and practice sewing before and after school – hours. The hostel provides food to 10 boys [11 - 12 grades], as they were found in a desperate situation. Three of them were motivated to join science stream. As their Gymnasium is a little away from other schools, they have been provided bicycles. VPSS could not build a hostel for boys, as no suitable land was found. Learning about this accommodation problem, a tribal neighbor on his own, offered his modest house [extension of his road – side shop]. The problem has been resolved likewise. The suitable land is just found and the deal is on way. The construction hopefully will start in November [after monsoon].
Once the hostel gets going, the Gymnasium level boys [like the Girls’ Hostel in Bilpudi] will not have to walk down to schools from their homes from long distance. In the new emerging head – quarters of Kaprada County, the problem was the same. There also the arrangements for food and accommodation for 9 students have been made. This is how all aspiring students of Tamachhadi high school are studying.  

Vocational-Training : Second Batch
After financing Tamachhadi School – Complex, Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram is going to provide total support for the expenses of the second batch of about 50 trainees. It is for the Technical & Vocational Training Program. It has good potential for jobs. Very good training was given to 42 boys & 22 girls [The first batch] in Dalit Shakti Kendra [Nani Devati]. The support for the first batch came form Bombay friends. The second batch will join training shortly. The interview process is just over in the Girls’ Hostel. 38 youths came there at short notice. Still more applications are coming. We hope to send 50 trainees for different trades of their choice.  Wonderful interest has been generated in diversified training,   going to prove an ideal livelihood program in this employment - starved Block. Our new and enthusiastic activist supporter
Bhavana Shah joined us last week for two days, for the follow – up of training program for youths, concluded 2 months back. She also met the second group of 38 youths, joining training next week. She discussed with hostel girls follow – up of sewing training that they had.

Some encouraging observations from the program – supporter and the institute:
‘I visited the training centre at Nani Devati Trining Institute. All the trainees sent by VPSS were very happy at the end of training and full of energy. At the Dalit Shakti Kendra [Institute] Dharampur students were frontrunners in all areas viz. art, skill, and sports. They were winners in most of the games as individuals and as team. In the elocution competition seven Dharampur students were in final round. The art and handicraft teacher was very happy with one talented student in [drawing] and other boys in that subject. Some of the normal paintings and glass painting by them were kept in the display at the institute. Now more students can go for training and they need to join different training areas in which there are better chances of getting employment and higher income for them. Very good beginning has been made. The program g has a bright future’.
[From a letter of the representative of the trust who supported the program] 

‘Yesterday was our convocation at DSK in the presence of eminent personalities including University Grants Commission [National Body] chairman.  I want to tell you that the boys & girls I worked with from Dharampur were inspiring. They were good at learning. Most sports prizes went to them and so were the others. The best essay award went to one girl and so were both the prizes for the best sport persons. I see great opportunities to empowerment for tribal youth who have been nurtured so well in Dharampur schools and also villages.’
[From a note to Koki from the director of the Training Institute Mr. Martin Mekvan]

 One More High School
After Tamachhadi [now in the 5th year] one more residential high – school [grade 8] with 30 students has started from last June in village Vaghval. Now there are 105 students [8/9/10 grades] in Tamachhadi High School.  4 rooms were ready before the start of the school, with generous support from  K. C. Trust of Bombay. We have got support for beddings and other furniture for new Vaghval H. School and 25 new students in Bilpudi Girls’ Hostel from Raj Foundation [Bo.]
 

Plan for 2 New Programs
Shrimad Rajchandra Asharam – Dharampur [Supporting VPSS generously for       several programs in Dharampur Block] is taking up 2 new and innovative programs. One is to provide food to the students, struggling to study further, after SSC [10th grade]. The food - packets will be distributed to these students, coming from remote hilly forest villages - [15 to 25 km away]. They leave their homes early in the morning and reach home at around 7 in the evening.  No public transport is available for most of them. So they have to make long walks and then travel by private jeeps, piling from mid – points. These students eat some simple food at home, when they start for schools. They go almost without food for the whole day. Such students will be provided supplementary food shortly in all their Schools [5].  Another program is of tutorial classes [after school hours] for supplementary teaching vital subjects in 10th grade [for SSC - 10th grade exam] in 8 schools. Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram is financing this program also. Koki is active in the coordination of these twin programs. It is good in a way that she will come closer to the the schools [not under VPSS] to some extent at higher level. On account of supplementary food program contact will be established with elder students as well. Good for future.

Male   Buffalo
The distribution of male buffaloes is making good progress. Earlier 2000 animals were distributed in several villages. These animals are brought from about 800 km distance in special trucks. The program was temporarily suspended as half the transport cost to be born by the beneficiaries went on increasing on account of galloping diesel price. But the beneficiaries badly required the animals in their agricultural operations. They were rather over – motivated, resulting in ever mounting pressure from them, to bring animals. They were prepared to bear higher cost, as compared to the price locally, these animals were found cheaper. So the cycle got restarted in the middle of the monsoon, with the result that 300 more animals have reached to the community
 
Support from Rotary Club [Bomaby].
A group of members from Rotary Club Queen’s Necklace visited dams and other programs. They supported 40 Check Dams [now 336] program last year and are as well supporting one school. They were pleased with what they saw. They had an intensive discussion with our field – workers about our approach and future plans. There were other group and individual visits from Dharampur well-wishers
 
Medical Camp  
A Medical Camp for the cluster [group of villages around Vaghval village] was organized by one voluntary association of Surat City in Vaghval School – Complex. There were 8 doctors of various disciplines and as many volunteers – including our teachers, as guides. About 400 patients took advantage of the camp. Obviously the treatment was free, but medicines as well.  Koki joined the group and was all praise for the skill and commitment of the whole group. Earlier three serious cases [health] were provided timely support.
 
Story of 2 Decades
VPSS has just published a pictorial report in Gujarati [local language] of work done in Dharampur & Kaprada, during last two decades - with facts, figures and description of how the project grew step–by–step and took Holistic Shape, without any road - map, as also future course of action. This is for the first time that such a report is published in Gujarati. The  English Version will be out soon.
 

NEWS IN BRIEF 

  • The ‘Mobile Van’ has restarted in Panchayat Schools of Khanda Block, - directed by qualified teachers. It has sustained the interest in the schools.
  • We have received laptop from a US relative. It is a great boon, as now the communication can be handled from Bilpudi Office [in Dharampur] also.
  • We have visited 2 new schools and hostels, as requested by one Indian donor and one foreign donor group. The information has been collected and provided to the concerned parties.
  • An old colleague of Valod visited us. One Australian lady is married to his brother. The group took keen interest in Dharampur Project. The Australian lady desired to send her daughter to work in Dharampur, as a volunteer. The girl is interested in social work. We will gladly cooperate.
  • Now all our schools have computers and teachers of the subject. The computers are used as teaching aid also by special teachers. VPSS has purchased CDS prepared by experts for subjects teaching. They are proving useful and generating interest in the students – Quite effective.
  • 4 youths aspiring to become primary teachers and 1 more to become engineer have been provided support. The trainee teachers have promised to join project schools, after their study is concluded.
  • 3 schools were selected by health groups for special check – up, with nice follow/up for acute problems found in some of them, in course of checking.
  • The students of the Girls’ Hostel prepared kits of educational materials for the schools of Dharampur & Kaprada. The teachers of our schools helped them by turn, as it was a big job. They worked on behalf of and as directed by Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram of Dharampur.
  • A plan for 100 Mass  Marriages in next March – April is worked out. We have received promise of full support for this quite an expensive program.
  • Both Koki and Bhavana visited one big school of about 750 students [Grades: 7 - 8 - 9 -10 -11]. One Foundation from Bombay is going to finance the project, which may cost about two million rupees.
  • One of our lady workers is now moving in the villages to find our pregnant women. The ‘Mother/Child Care’ plan is being recast on promotional lines.

 

WHAT A LOVE FOR DHARAMPUR !

I got a post card from an ex-professor [now age 94].
He is a great lover of Dharampur.  He is one of the members of one Trust [established long back by him and his colleagues]. During last 10 years, he pressed the Trust twice successfully, to contribute money to construct 2 class rooms in our schools. Since last 2 years, the Trust is diverting support to some well off schools. The professor was very unhappy. He had been struggling last 3 years to press the Trust to contribute for at least  one class – room as before, for a school in Dharampur  He was not succeeding, as on account of his age  [3 years ago – 90] and staying far away in Pune [Bombay side], he was unable to attend Board meetings.  But he did not give in for all the last 3 years. We were not pressing, but to our great surprise, we got a cheque for a class room.  In his post card the old man expressed his great satisfaction [and more importantly relief]. Outwardly, the professor acted for Dharampur; but in return, he got unmatched inner joy.

 

 VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI
Tuff Friendship House : Vedchhi : 394641 : T. Valod : D. Surat INDIA

(02625)220154 & 222451 for Vedchhi - (02633) 293698 for Dharampur - Mo. 9879569535  
 [June – July – August : 2008]

Bhikhu Vyas & Kokila Vyas


The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but  where he stands at times of challenge and controversy
.

MARTIN LUTHER KING

Med anledning av Strandskolans Öppet hus den 9 oktober för Tuffs projekt i Indien kom följande brev från Bhikhu

 

To he Students & Teachers

Strandskolan 

Tyresö

 

I came to know from Ake Sandin [TUFF] that Strandskolan is organizing 'Open House' on October 9th. Please accept our congratulations for your continuous support for schools in Dharampur. All of us - the students & the teachers are highly impressed for your concern and commitment, followed by an imaginative and solid action.  

 __________________

 

Two nice teachers from your school - Mia Tranehed and Anna-Karin Hylander visited our schools about 4 years ago. They moved in tiny schools of Dharampur Block, located in forest and hills. They have seen  how the support was being used  in various schools. They certainly must have provided you first hand information about our schools and other community welfare activities that we carry out around the schools. Our schools do not just impart education, but they are the spring - boards for development activities in the cluster of poor villages, where they are set up.  I am attaching the pictorial report, to bring you close to the schools and the area. Of course it is in Gujarati - the language of our state. But I have translated the titles and made summary translation of the text of the report. I am happy to say that we are slowly succeeding in creating positive atmosphere of learning in the surrounding schools.

 

It is such a great feeing for the schools here to learn that there are distant schools like Strand,  organizing a wonderful program like 'Open House' - an effort to make the parents aware and informed.  More importantly, school communities like yours give us lot of strength in this isolated and invisible area. All of you really are our proud partners in a mission  for development, finally leading to peace!

 

At the moment, I fondly remember my visit of Strandskolan in May - 2005. It was such an excitement to be with the school community. I felt lot of enthusiasm in the air, while I moved in the classes and gave information lessons - how we use your support, towards salaries of the teachers, lodging and boarding of the students and teaching aids.

 

You will be happy to learn that in last 5 years we have added two high schools [8 - 9 - 10 grades] and a hostel for Gymnasium level [11th & 12th grades] girls in this education - starved Block. Otherwise they did not  have a possibility to carry on their studies - having no Gymnasiums in remote villages  A hostel for boys is being set up shortly. The credit goes to many Swedish Sister Schools like Strand  for making it possible for our students  to reach to this advanced level in schooling. We are grateful to all of you for your efforts and to Tuff for its efficient coordination. The Sister - Schools Cooperation is a unique idea, directing the schools towards a new mission of a society based on friendship, justice and love.  It gives a  'Hope' of a new and better world.  

 
Finally, let me congratulate you for your cooperation. I convey the best wishes to all the students and teachers.  

  

With many thanks again.

 

Bhikhu Vyas

 

[For the schools & the community at large]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECORD MANGO PLANTATION 2008 !
[DHARAMPUR & KAPRADA] 

THESE ARE SOME PICTURES OF THE MASSIVE MANGO SAPLINGS DISTRIBUTION, AT 40 % COST. IT IS JUST FINISHED.
AS ASKED BY THE COMMUNITY, TOTALLY 6,000 HIGH QUALITY PLANTS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED FROM REPUTED MOTHER NURSERIES AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HAMLETS OF THE PEOPLE – ALMOST AT THEIR DOOR STEPS.
25 % OF THE TOTAL PLANTS HAVE REACHED TO THE GUARDIANS, THROUGH THEIR KIDS; UNDER OUR PROGRAM - LINKING DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN SCHOOLS & THE COMMUNITY.
THE MAJOR SUPPORT FOR THIS HIGHLY RECEPTIVE PROGRAM CAME FROM TUFF SWEDEN. AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAM IS UNDER ACTIVE CONSIDERATION FOR YEAR 2009. WE HAVE APPROACHED MOTHER NURSERIES; AS WE HOPE TO CROSS 10,000 PLANTS NEXT YEAR, TOUCHING THE MAGIC FIGURE OF 100,000 PLANTS.
6,000 MANGO  PLANTS  GIVEN  THIS  YEAR  BROKE ALL  RECORDS OF LAST FIFTEEN YEARS. 


Collection

Distribution

For Family

Tuff Tempo

TOTAL MANGO PLANTS DISTRIBUTED : 90,000  (until June 2008)

The surrounding pattern is a repeated detail from a photo of a mango tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 NEWS DIGEST : DHARAMPUR    
April-June 2008

Support From Tuff Sweden

Study-Team of Tuff - Sweden

A Board Meeting of Tuff members was arranged in their office to get first-hand information about Dharampur Project from 3 members team. The team visited Dharampur a couple of months back. In the meeting there were few friends who knew Dharampur since long. 
A letter [summary] from one of the team members:
 

‘I had heard so much about fantastic work you do. A beautiful memory that will stay forever is when I could hear the children laughing in the night [after prayers]. I woke up to that wonderful sound and I could also hear someone talk. I was on the bed outside and it was completely dark. Suddenly there was that wonderful laugh – May be the most beautiful sound in the world. I asked you the next morning what had happened. You told me about your meeting with the children. It just feels me with joy to think about that night. In Bombay it was really comforting to hear Rajesh & Bhavna talk about the future of Dharampur. The world needs more of your kind.  

My reply: ‘I am well aware that you and all at Tuff [supporting us since 3 decades, without a break] are so concerned about who will carry on the torch of development in Dharampur. It is so pleasing to learn from you that you felt comfortable to hear them [Rajesh and Bhavna]talking about future of Dharampur. Yes we couldn't have made a better choice’.

 

Tyreso School Worked for Tamachhadi School 

The problem of drinking water in Tamachhadi boys' hostel [High School] becomes acute in April - may. We had planned to resolve the problem there by constructing an under ground 'Rain Water Harvesting Tank' [5 other VPSS schools have all ready such tanks]. The work is in progress. Tyreso school of Sweden collected about RS 2,40,000. It is almost double the amount than last year – when Tyreso School joined Sister Schools Cooperation. The kids of this primary school did petty jobs by organizing ‘Operation One Day Work’ [OODW} voluntarily for this ‘Tank‘.  Of course, the support is more than required for a tank. It would be utilized for other requirements of the school. Getting the news from Ake, I immediately wrote to him:

 

“It seems that the Sister Schools are in healthy competition with each-other. They are also in competition with themselves, breaking their previous records. Beneficiary - Dharampur - means the poorest of the poor and most deserving communities. All these Sister Schools, admirably coordinated by Tuff are helping the communities of Dharampur to help them selves. The people there are actively participating in the development struggle’. Tyresö Skola has every right to be proud of. They have done a wonderful job for an unknown region - far away, at the other end of the world. Real and exemplary solidarity, in this strife - torn world. Feel like running to Tyreso School and hugging the small kids’.

 

Four Sister Schools Working for VPSS Schools 

Four more schools also worked on the same lines [News just received] for funding VPSS schools. From their funds 2 schools will be fully and 3 others will be partially supported, mainly for food expenses, salaries and teaching materials.  

 

3 New Wells 

Three new wells have been constructed with the support of Tuff. Two of them will be named :

  OLGA WELL

  TYRESO ROTARY WELL.

 

One More Room in Tamachhadi 

VPSS has constructed one more class room – cum - reading room in Tamachhadi Primary School. It is named PETERSONS’ READING ROOM, to commemorate the Birth - Days of long - time Tuff activists and great lovers of Dharampur : Margaretha [70] and Gunnar [75].

 

Mango Saplings 

This year it is planed to distribute 10,000 more mango saplings, for which support has been received from Sweden. The preparations are in progress, as the monsoon has set in, a pre-condition for mango plantation. 75,000 mango plants have been distributed at half the cost with the help of Tuff, in last 15 years. Great.

 

VPSS – INDIA

Mass-Marriages                                                                                                                                       

During the last Guardians' meeting in Vaghval School, some young guardians raised the question of Mass Marriages in their cluster. There was a quick result, in just one month. Mass Marriages of 82 couples in two villages on the same day were organized. The entire show was efficiently managed by the community leaders. It is an important social reform, a considerable saving for the community in general and a boon for the poorest of them in particular. Most of those who got married in Mass Marriages program could not afford the expenses which are normally heavy. They desperately waited for years, for this auspicious event. 

The traditional gifts for the couples came from 'Friends of Dharampur' [Bombay], as also expenditure for mass meals for about 8,000 people. Our only endeavor was to make it as cheap as possible, so that it could be replicated in future on bigger scale. The expense [Couples/Donors] for 82 pairs [164 persons] did not exceed rupees 2,50,000.  The coordinator of the marriages asked Koki: ”600 kg rice has been saved. What to do?”  The bags reached to nearby VPSS schools:  Vankhas & Vaghval. What a spirit of poor! After reading the report of mass marriages and viewing the photographs of the event. It is very encouraging that we have received an offer for the entire expenses for 100 couples, next year.

Guardian’s Gatherings                                                                                         

Guardian's Gatherings were held in all VPSS schools. About 400 guardians attended them. 40 percent were mothers. The students performed nicely and exhibited their creations. Lively discussion for future plans followed the meals, with focus on soil/water conservation, mango plantation, forestry, wells & introduction of latrines [latest program].  

Unique Contribution                                  

Dharampur region has not yet entered the latrine - age. Earlier we tried to introduce latrines, with little success. One regular donor of Dharampur came to know of this deplorable state of affairs. He offered to support the program of latrines for workers. It was revealed that 50 out of 55 of our workers are not having latrines. Immediately followed an action - plan. Our 21 workers have been selected in the first batch. These families will have latrines in their homes - first time in life. A unique gift. The same gentle man donated woolen sweaters to all our 800 students and teachers - workers last winter. It was a great relief.

Vocational Training                                                                                                  

VPSS has launched on first of May technical/ vocational training program for the youths and for those who could not fair well in academic subjects. There has been overwhelming response. Against the target of 50 trainees, 62 turned up in the first interview. We now have a waiting list of 70 applicants. 40 boys and 22 girls are undergoing training in Dalit Shakti Kendra in 11 trades, near Ahmedabad. Being the first such venture, VPSS has financed in full, with generous help from well – wishers of Bombay. When we visited the institute recently, we were extremely happy to learn that one of our girl students who opted for police training was interviewed on Radio. She boldly explained that she wants to become a police, to eradicate corruption from public life. Nice training is being imparted. An ambitious training [for jobs & livelihood] year – round program will be carved out, once the trainees are back to Bilpudi Girls’ Hostel. 

Soil–Bunding & Check – Dams                                                                       

A generous donation has been received for soil - bunding and check – dams program  from Allana Trust of Bombay. One of the officials of the trust visited Dharampur at the end of March. He was happy with the performance, as 90 % of work was completed before the dead – line, from their half a million rupee donation, against the same amount of labor contribution of the beneficiaries. The official asked our team, if we could continue bunding work. Our workers started visiting villages and planning with them accordingly. The work restarted and before the end of May, it covered more land. The picture is as follows, with the work done before and after April.

Soil – Bunding: 1150 hectares of land of 1128 families in 17 villages has been reclaimed. The fields will be under crops now onwards with more progress, when  new fields will be carved out. Totally 7, 80,136 C. Ft. of work has been done by the beneficiaries. The workers received 84,200 kg of food – grains, as half of the wages. Rest is their labor contribution. To date, 19,150 hectares are reclaimed.

Check – Dams: Before the end of May, 20 new check - dams have been built by the community in 18 villages. The total work stands at 3, 21, 033 C. Ft. The workers received 30,800 kg of food grains, as half of normal wages. [rest is labor contribution]. To date 336 mud – stone check – dams have been constructed. Next year will be a consolidation phase, now that so many dams are ready. We will concentrate particularly on repairs, maintenance, utilization of water, more production accordingly, as well as better water – management in general.

Against this expenditure for Soil – Bunding and Check – Dams VPSS has received donations of RS 9,00,000 so far. VPSS has spent RS 12,07,500 for food grains.  We have received an offer from one source for bridging support.   

Near 100 % Result of Tamachhadi High School in SSC Examination  

In Shrimad Rajchandra Vidya Vihar [High School] of Tamachhadi, 26 out of 27 students got through in recent S.S.C. exam. Last year [first S.S.C. batch] there were 28 students and 27 got through. There was no facility of secondary education in about 30 villages of that cluster, having population of about 25,000. All the girls passed in both the batches. 

 

New High School in Vaghval  

VPSS has started another High School in Vaghval. 30 students have been admitted in 8th grade [with hostel facility], on the very first day. It is highly appreciated by the community, having no such facility in that cluster also [like Tamachhadi], for secondary education, for about 25,000 people.  The buildings for the school have been constructed.

 

‘Earth Care Award’ for VPSS 

Vedchhi Pradesh Seva Samiti received  national 'Earth Care  Award’  on ‘Earth Day’ for Dharampur Project, some two months back. The award is instituted jointly by Times of India news paper and one Delhi – based Climate Trust.

 

Computers in VPSS Schools

 Computer subject has been introduced in VPSS schools. We have received 25 computers so far. The special teachers will now go on visiting all the schools. 

 

Expansion in Girls’ Hostel 

In Bilpudi Girls' Hostel construction of more rooms for girls [for 60 in 11th/12th grades] has been completed. 75,000 liters Rain Water Harvesting Tank is under construction. In Chandvagan School also 2 more rooms have been constructed. They are stone houses - a beginning of environment - friendly construction.

 

                                          

Poverty & Accident

A few months back we happened to be in one remote village, which was unapproachable even by  jeep 4 months ago. One of the students of Tamachhadi High School is from there. It so happened that after getting through in S.S.C. exam, he joined a Higher Secondary School in Dharampur. This boy [and few others] managed accommodation on their own, around Dharampur town. This boy met with an accident and broke his leg. Some noble person found him lying on road-side and carried him to one private hospital in Dharampur. We knew about the incident the next day. I rushed to the hospital. We shifted the boy to a Public Hospital.  All arrangements were made for the operation with 50 % cost to be born by the hospital and the rest by VPSS  

In the men while the parents and the villagers came to know about the accident and rushed to the hospital. All of them were scarred with operation. They simply believed that the leg will be imputed. I returned to the hostel for a short period, leaving the follow - up to our coordinators. As soon as I left the hospital, the villagers decided not to go in for operation. Without waiting for me they managed for a jeep and left for home. The hospital people tried hard to convince villagers, but they were rather scarred. All of us were so sad, but could do nothing. 

Koki immediately sent one worker to the village, to inquire about the condition of the boy.  The worker could reach home, after walking and climbing 7-8 km narrow foot road, amidst forests and mountains, as there was no road for even motor - bike those days. The boy hardly could walk and was treated with some herbal local medicines. The family was hand - to – mouth

By chance we visited the village. There we discussed future study plan of the boy with his family. We came to know from the boy that he was preparing for the exam [11th], even in this condition.  Koki took a spot-decision and ordered the boy to get into the jeep. The family and the villagers could not oppose. They simply followed in disbelief, waving hands to the boy, seated in our jeep.

The boy was accommodated in the new room, just constructed in the Girls’ Hostel. After long argument the boy was allowed to appear in the test. Our Hostel Rector took every care of the boy, including special transport arrangement. This is a happy end of a sad story.

        

THOSE  WHO  LIVE  FOR  OTHERS  REALLY  LIVE. 
THOSE  WHO  LIVE FOR THEMSELVES  ARE  AS  GOOD  AS  DEAD. 
 

SWAMI VIVEKANAND

 

VPSS : Tuff Friendship House : Vedchhi : 394641 : T. Valod : D. Surat: INDIA

 

Bhikhu tackar

Med anledning av följande dagsverken 2008 har Bhikhu skickat tackbrev.

28-29 april: Alléskolan i Floda (Göteborgstrakten)
29 april: Södertörns friskola i Huddinge
7 maj: Kumla skola, Tyresö
5 juni: Tyresö skola

Här visas som exempel brevet till Södertörns friskola i Huddinge
 


To the Students & Teachers of
Sister School Södertörns Friskola in Huddinge 
 

We at Dharampur are glad to learn from Ake [TUFF] about the OODW at  Södertörns Friskola.

 

We remember with great joy the visit of Dharampur schools by Bo and some students, about 4 years ago. He will be an ideal resource person to give you information about the schools and other activities in Dharampur Block  I had also the privilege to visit your school, about three years ago. It was very impressive to meet to some classes, talk to them about the concept of community development and feel the warmth as well as the aesthetic atmosphere of the school.
This is the second time you are working for Dharampur schools. Great!
Please accept our congratulations & best wishes for your work, meant to support our schools and other programs like mango,  water & soil conservation, wells etc. in remote hilly forest villages of Dharampur. I once witnessed the hectic OODW in action in one Sister School. What an intelligent mix  : 
A mission of study, concern, fun and commitment!
  

 

When Bo was with us, perhaps we were preparing to start the first ever high school in one remote cluster, having no facility for secondary education. That was done with great success and now, from next June we are adding one more high school in village Vaghaval on high mountains. It is for the first time in the history of these two clusters, having population of 50,000 poor people, secondary education also becomes possible. We are running six primary schools as well as one Gymnasium level girls’ hostel. Our schools try to impart education with social concern, with emphasis on culture and fine arts. 

The support to be generated by your school will be utilized for new high school in Vahaval, for expanding drinking water facilities and to establish science laboratory. 

 

It is such a nice feeing for the students and the teachers here to learn that there are  schools like Södertörns Friskola - far far away, working hard for them. More importantly, school communities like yours give us lot of strength, in this isolated and invisible area.  

 

It is great that education is spreading rather fast in Dharampur - quite an illiterate society two decades ago, when we made an entry through just night classes. The credit goes to many a Sister Schools like yours, nicely coordinated by Tuff.
In 1988 when we entered this dark region, there were very few junior primary schools,  ill  equipped & under staffed. The picture has drastically changed and is still changing, with the message spreading to other groups in India , getting inspiration from Sweden.

 

While the world is becoming strife-torn and self-centered, the Sister Schools cooperation - a marvelous idea - gives a hope for sustainable development in a large and neglected region - a real mission of peace and brotherhood.  

 

I convey the best wishes to all the students and teachers of  Södertörns Friskola.  

 

With many thanks again.

 

Bhikhu Vyas

 

                                            [Tuff Friendship House : Vedchhi : 394641 : T. Valod : D. Surat : INDIA]

 

 

DHARAMPUR  &  KAPRADA

NEWS LETTER

February 2008

 

Sweden

 

Petersons’ Reading Room

Like their Swedish friends and colleagues, we admire both Margaretha & Gunnar for their more than two decades long involvement in Tuff and active support for ‘Dharampur Development March’ from day one. They really are an asset for Tuff and Dharampur. How nice that a collection of about 8,000 SEK was made by Tuff from the friends of the couple, to commemorate the 70th birth day of Margaretha & 75th birth day of Gunnar [December – 2007]! The result: There will be “Petersons’ Reading Room” in one of the schools in Dharampur.  As a token of love from both Tuff and Dharampur team under VPSS, a picture was taken of the proposed Room and presented to the couple by Tuff seniors, at Greeting Function of birth – Day celebration.

 

Visitors from Sweden

Some Tuff members in Sweden formed a ‘Study Group’ for India, with focus on Dharampur. Last month 3 ladies from the group visited our schools and other development projects for 5 days in Dharampur. They also moved in our Mobile Van with our teachers, to see how this innovative project [partly supported by a Sister School named Tyreso Skola of Sweden] is operating in the government village schools. Then they came to Valod - Vedchhi and took a round of some old projects supported by Tuff  In Bombay before they left for home, they were taken care of by our activist friend Mr. Rajesh Shah. M/S Bhavana Shah [getting more involved in Dharampur activities] also met the group. Both the Shahs apprised the group of the project and more importantly, assured them about its bright future. Now will quote from a letter of one lady:

 

‘We had a wonderful time in Dharampur. To see for ourselves all the good things you do in Dharampur was fantastic. Again to meet all the nice people and the children who were so curious and tried to speak a little English and danced and sang for us. As I have for so many years heard about these projects, it was so rewarding to see and experience all the schools, the dams and the soil bunding and to see the enthusiasm showed by all the people involved’.

 

Inspiration from Sweden

Last month both of us met two boys [11th grade] and their mothers in Bombay. One of the boys and his mother earlier visited two schools and some check - dams as well as soil – bunding program in operation in Dharampur. It was not a casual type visit. During our talk, at some stage they asked us about how we came in contact with Tuff and Sweden. I narrated the whole story and explained the concept of OODW and how it is organized in Sweden by Sister Schools of Dharampur. They were rather motivated with the role played by the Swedish students. The mother of the boy exclaimed: While the students from thousands of km distance are so inspired, why not students from Bombay - just 300 km away! They know nothing about such a good cause and achievements!  

 

I was in Bombay next week. The group seized an opportunity to discuss with me more of Dharampur. Later on I sent them a copy of the film taken by 3 Swedish girls, after they worked for Dharampur in Sweden. Many other documents also were sent as was demanded. The students thoroughly studied Dharampur work of last 10 years and prepared a comprehensive report with facts and figures, supported by photographs. This study – report is forwarded to reputed Indian news paper - ‘Times of India’ for consideration of recognition as ‘Savers of Earth Volunteers.’ This is the first systematic study of our work in Dharampur. It will be of use for people interested in Dh.

 

Mobile Van

I just wrote to the Swedish School who worked for mobile van [Summary]:

‘I am glad to inform you that only last week one organization from Bombay has contributed RS 2,50,000 for the running cost of the Van, the salary of  three teachers and other teaching material. One lady from Bombay has donated educational toys. She is frequently joining the Van as she is very skilled and interested in this particular project.

 

The Van operating on experimental basis in 7 Primary Schools is a success beyond our expectation. The Van is a model school. The teachers are trying to make it interesting.  The students wait for the Van to reach to the respective schools. Our 3 qualified teachers find great excitement in the villages where the schools are situated. The teachers are full of enthusiasm. They are not only distributing library books for extra knowledge [as was our original idea]; but are also involving in subjects teaching. They are also covering drawing & other skills in which students are interested’.

 

Dharampur Block is highly grateful to Tyreso School for working [OODW}] for this dream project of ours and a making it a reality.

 

A Well in Dharampur: A Test Subject in Sweden

‘Your last ‘News Letter’ was most interesting and very useful, because we are planning a school exhibition where we among other subjects will present our sister school. I will also inform some young students about you and your work. They have asked me if there is a possibility for them to contribute with a well in your project. They are in their last form, 18 years old. Young enterprising is what they are to do as an examination-work. They shall create a product and sell it. They can keep the money but these young people want to do something better. so that is why they have asked me about the well in Dharampur. What is your opinion? I think it is a good idea. [Summary from a letter of one teacher] 

 

A Swedish School worked for Dharampur

A Swedish Sister School Strandskolan has collected SEK 31,152 [1,80,000 rupees in Indian currency] by OODW in the school locality. The amount would cover half of the total cost [mainly food & salary] of Virekshetra School. I wrote to them. [Summary]:

 

‘Strandskolan deserves special congratulations and thanks for breaking all former records. The spirit of supporting a school in an unknown corner, thousands of kilometers away from Sweden is so stimulating. Education is spreading fast amidst challenging logistics in isolated villages of Dh. on account of generous contribution of Strandskolan & many other schools like yours, with an effective coordinating role of Tuff.  

 

While I am penning this mail, my mind goes back to those wonderful days, when I had been to your school - last time in May - 2005. It was such an enriching feeling just to think of that visit. I know how you generate support through hard work by different imaginative methods [OODW]; a mixture of fun, commitment and education! Just before my visit, two of your energetic teachers Mia & Anna karin visited our schools -- including Virekshetra. They very much liked this school.  While the families all over the world are becoming more and more self - centered, the Swedish Sister Schools Cooperation gives trust in the goodness of the wider world and more importantly, New Hope. 

 

Our schools modestly try to impart education with social concern, in poorest of the poor communities. Not only that, our schools are now creating positive atmosphere in the schools in the neighborhood. It is such a nice feeing in our school community to learn that there are schools in far off Sweden, which are thinking of them and more importantly, working for them. From this distance you may not be aware that in a way, you are joining mission of Holistic Development in Dharampur. Sister - Schools Cooperation is a practical model of Friendship in Action - a hope for a better world.’

 

A Motivated Girl from Sweden

A Swedish girl Fia visited Dharampur a year ago. She organized a concert in a church. The amount collected there was given away to Tuff for Dharampur. One Swedish girl Johanna - who worked with two other girls for mango program of Dharampur directed Fia and 4 other youngsters to visit Dharampur. Johanna & group visited Dharampur few years back. They earlier took up this project to support our mango program.

 

Concern from a Distance

Ake Sandin [Tuff – Sweden] wrote to me a couple of days back that one Swedish peace activist and an old colleague of him Ingemar Haraldsson intends to contribute about 10,000 SEK [now about RS 55,000] in Dharampur. He wanted my suggestion. I have recommended a class-room in the proposed high school in Vaghval.

 

An Extra – Ordinary Offer

In the last ‘News Letter’ there is a reference about this offer. Orjan/Greta [Sweden] further wrote ‘I have far too little knowledge of the priorities that is most valuable for the poor people in Dharampur. Is it better to build water wells or check dams or planting more mango trees? Or anything else that is to the benefit of the women?’ [Summary]

 

The most enriching correspondence was carried on between us. Finally the following programs suggested were agreed upon by the couple. We quickly received a contribution of RS 7,76,000, with total freedom to make changes, as may be required.               

 

(1) Repairs of old wells &  Soil - Bunding  

(2) Mango, other fruit tree plants and distribution of special Seeds  

(4) Health – care programs, with a focus on women   

(5) Partial support for male – buffalo distribution program  

(6) Experimental Catchments Plan for water - conservation  

(7) Job - oriented training to girls after 10/11/12th grades [one year]   

(8) Manufacture of organic manure by groups of women.

 


 

 

      SUCCESSFUL SWINDIAN PROJECT

  [From a report just received from Mr. Rashmin Sanghvi: Visit - 16/17 February]

 

Credit goes to Tuff [Sweden] & ‘Friends of Dharampur’
in Bombay

                               

 

Karela [Bitter Gouard] Plantation

We went to an area called Makadban. There was well in the area. It used to get dry very soon. Vedchhi Pradesh Seva Samiti built a check dam on the upper side of the well. Now because of increased underground water supply, the well is full. The farmers in the area have installed pumps and they are drawing water from the well. They irrigate their farms and take a winter crop. We saw several farms full of Karela – vegetable plantation. [Second Crop]

 

 

 Inexpensive Project

The leaders from VPSS did a very small and extremely beneficial project. A small river in the area was dammed by a simple device. They filled gunny bags with sticky soil. With layers of such gunny bags, they stopped the flow of water (after monsoon). With this, a small pond is created. The farmers pump water from the pond in the river and irrigate their farms.

 

Most interesting sight is to see how they take water as far as 1.5 to 2.0 km  with the help of the pump. They raise water to the height required to reach a hillock. It may be 50 to 100 ft. height. Thereafter, small canals of 6 inches depth and 1 ft. width are made to direct water in different directions. The water goes all over the hillock and irrigates several farms.  With these simple devices, several farms take the winter [second] crop. This also presupposes that the monsoon crop is guaranteed by small irrigation.

 

Estimated incremental income of the farmers in the area per winter crop – due to

this irrigation- should be running into a few lakhs of rupees.
[201 pumps are operating in Dharampur and Kaprada [Thanks to Tuff - Last one given in  Makadban 3 months ago]

 

Mango Plantation

 In or around June 2006, we had gone to this area. The donors from Mumbai planted 70 saplings of mango trees there   All the seventy trees have survived & grown.  Some have even got the flowers which will be followed by mangoes now. All the plants have survived. Almost all saplings distributed by VPSS are

for the ownership of some specific tribal. They take good care of the plants.

 

                                         Water Managemen:

This year VPSS has planned to build additional water  facilities as under:

Soil conservation or terrace farming. This work has been allocated in several

villages to several tribals. They have almost completed building mud & stone

walls on mountain slopes to protect the soil. The terraces built naturally behind

the walls will become ideal soils for rice cultivation. VPSS has budgeted Rs. 5

lakhs for this work. 90% of the work is completed by 17th February, 2008.

 

Soil Conservation work has been done at following places:

Sr.

No.

Name

Cubic Meters

1.

Matuniya.

35,383

2.

Nani Korwad.

93,057

3.

Moti Korwad.

92,055

4.

Jahgiribhawada (Morsingi).

49,041

5.

Nandgaon (Ghartafaliya).

23205

6.

Peeproti.

38481

7.

Aaslona.

24182

8.

Veribhawada (chokarpada).

52810

9.

Veribhawada (korifaliya).

23895

10.

Chandvegan.

24636

 

Total

Beneficiaries : 450

4,56,745

VPSS will build additional 20 check dams during the current year. This will cost approximately Rs. 4 lakhs. Total cost of water management will be around RS 9 lakhs. Out of this, M/s. Allana group has provided RS 5 lakhs, Shri Rameshbhai Ajmera has provided RS 2 lakhs, Shri Prakash Bhoopatkar has donated RS 50,000, Rotary Club - Queen’s Necklace has provided RS 50,000. This leaves a deficit of RS 1 lakh for the current year.          

Pumps [201] Wells [155] & Mango Plants [75000] are from Tuff funding [Stared 1990 in Dh.]

The check-dams & the rest of the support from ‘Friends of Dharampur’ [Started from 1999]

 

We have been informed by Mr. Rshmin Sanghavi [Bombay coordinator] that on getting his above – mentioned report, within two days RS 1000000 contribution was received by two regular supporters of Dharampur project. So the deficit will be made good.                                   

 


 

 

INDIA & DHARAMPUR

 

A Generous Contribution from Allana Trust

The main person coordinating support and generating good – will for Dharampur in Bombay and his circle Mr. Rashmin Sanghvi by chance met managing trustee of Allana trust Mr. Irfan Allana in Bombay. The result: Generous aid from the Trust for activities in Dharampur conducted by several NGOS. One of the recipients is VPSS which got rupees 7,50,000 for two projects: [1] RS 5,00,000 for check dams & soil - bunding in Dharampur & Kaprada Block. As this was a committed program [also supported from three other sources] the work was started a few moths back and is about to finish. [please see the report of Mr. Rashmin Sanghavi above] [2] RS 2,50,000 for one year's running expenses for fuel, salaries and teaching materials of the Mobile Van. 

 

Soil – Bunding

A massive community - based soil - bunding program has been undertaken from 1993 onwards. A little over 1700 hectares of land has been reclaimed or repaired and brought under cultivation [resulting into more production] in last decade and a half. During the period under review, more work is done in 10 villages. [See report of Mr. R. Sanghvi]

 

Check – Dams

The program has just started with 4 check – dams completed [now totals 320]. Mr. Sanghvi and group visited soil – bunding and check – dams program in action recently [see the report] in village Makadban. It is a success story of planned group action. Long back, about 30 farmers were given 8 oil engines from Tuff funding, after a good water source was identified by our teacher. He worked in a school started by VPSS in that cluster. The land was barren and the second crop was never dreamt. He introduced water-melon crop. Helped by our check-dams program, the crop spread to other farmers and worked rather well in the beginning, for a few years. The oil – engines given to them one by one at half the price encouraged them for taking second crop. Later on the farmers gave up water – melon, as the market forces were discouraging. They did not have the capacity for initial investment and to organize market on their own. But they were resourceful and were constantly guided by VPSS coordinators. This year two more oil – engines were given and experimental sand – bags check dam of new and simple design was constructed, with good flow of water. The farmers intelligently changed over to diversified crops of Karela [Bitter Guard] - Bringle – Tomato and Chilly. Mango plants are also growing side by side, given at half the price [Tuff support]. So this is a good example of composite plan. They are now getting sizeable income and are saved from migration. Mr. Rajesh during his foot - march found this green patch, amidst barren land. There are several such spots in Dharampur & Kaprada Counties, working on same lines.  

 

Support Plan for Land - Donor

We are keen to support the donor of the land for the Girls‘ Hostel in Bilpudi. VPSS has taken full responsibility of 3 kids of the family – one for Higher Secondary [admitted in the Girls’ Hostel], one for graduation and the third one for post – graduation. A deserted half – done well in the farmer’s land adjoining the hostel is going to be repaired. A Bore well has been constructed there. 500 mango plants have been planted along with 1000 teak wood plants and a few coconut trees. About 2 hectares waste land has been brought under cultivation. Irrigation is still a problem, as we have not found sufficient water in both the bore - wells. We are desperately trying out other alternatives. At present during emergency, for on – going construction in the hostel and for small irrigation, we are getting water from our neighbor.  

 

New Pattern in School - Administration

The monthly ‘Review – Planning’ meetings of our headmasters of the schools and the coordinators are taking a business - like shape with the guidance and active participation of Shree Rajesh Shah & Shree Bhavna Shah, both getting more and more active in the field work as well as administration. A new hope for taking over from us – very much required. In the last meeting with all our head-masters, representatives of the Students' Committees from all the 7 schools [one girl & one boy] also participated. This is a new direction, where the students' representatives also joined us in review and planning, along with the head - masters. Welcome initiative, prompted by Mr. Rajesh Shah.

 

    

Dharampur & Condolence Meeting

I attended prayer meeting for the departed mother of Mr. Hiten Shah - one of the activists in Bombay  Seeing me present there parallel thoughts were going on in the mind of the gentleman that I should see one elderly person and a prospective donor present there. What a love for Dharampur! After the conclusion of the condolence meeting, Mr. Hitenbhai asked Rajesh to take me to the gentleman. It was followed accordingly and immediately. He heard us attentively and took great interest in the activities of Dharampur.  As our priority need, he agreed to provide support for the food – expenses of the Girls’ Hostel at Bilpudi. The support started coming immediately.

 

Furthermore later on we approached the same gentle man along with two Bombay – based friends for a new Hostel Building for 11th/12th grade students of forest area [having no such facility]. He agreed to finance the Project fully. One Trust has offered free land in their Ashram.  There are some legal hitches. But we are trying our level best. 

 

Girls’ Hostel – Bilpudi

One big hall [for residence], a guest house, a meeting room and a rector’s – quarters are under construction and about to finish. Vegetables are grown by the hostel students. Second bore – well has been fixed with e. motor on it and pipe – lines [Tuff Support]. This beautiful place amidst splendid nature close to Dharampur town and good road – connectivity is proving as a centre for general meetings as well as consultations, administration of schools and other activities in Dharampur & Kaprada, a distribution centre and attraction for guests and other visitors. The same donor who initiated the idea for the girls’ hostel has provided total funds for all these additional facilities. He is keen that such a hostel for boys [in Dharampur] and two hostels - one for boys and one for girls should be added in Kaprada also [totaling four]. Our efforts are on. One organization named K.C. Trust is taking care of Vaghval School. They supported room construction and are prepared to support [new] hostel construction in Dharampur.

 

Another Girls’ Hostel in Kaprada Proposed

As for another Girls’ Hostel on lines of Bilpudi Hostel, Koki is negotiating with one Trust running hostel for girls [for 8 - 9 -10 grades] in Kaprada. The main trustee visited Bilpudi Hostel and his response was positive to add a hostel for girls of 11th – 12th grades in Kaprada. Koki again visited their hostel in Kaprada for working out practical arrangements. We have assured the Trustees that some well – wishers are ready to provide finance for the expansion of the present hostel building and for the food expenses of additional girl students [11 -12 grads]. The follow up is on. We are hopeful.

 

Why More Hostels?

Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram earlier offered to support 11-12 grades [Gymnasium] in Tamachhadi. That offer still stands. But we have to politely say 'No' to the Ashram administrators, as the teachers who are qualified for Gymnasium level school are not available in this remote cluster – not having even single  tea – shop. Alternatively, we were advised by well – meaning persons to explore the possibility of hostels for 11th - 12th grades, where Gymnasium level schools are existing. The first one [for girls] is started in Bilpudi in last June

 

Health – Care

With generous support from ‘Friends of Bombay’ 15 individuals got partial medical aid mainly for hospitalization and medicines : Heart – trouble, Accidents, Fever, MRI, Mental Illness, Delivery and Pregnancy related problems – Sickle – sell suspects etc. We got good cooperation from Shrimad Rajachandra Hospital of Dharampur as well 

 


 

                                        NEWS IN BRIEF

1        During the period under review on an average there were two visits [in groups and individuals] every week. Some of them have been mentioned above. Prime one which requires special mention is a Delegation of 25 persons from Rotary Club - Queen’s Necklace [Bombay] Last year they supported a massive check – dams program [see the last ‘News Letter] with overseas collaboration. 40 dams were completed against the target of 35, before it started raining. A comprehensive report with photographs etc. was sent to the Rotary Club. A gentle man from Bombay visited Tamachhadi and Bilpudi along with his daughter settled in Germany. He has earlier supported Dharampur project. The girl took keen interest in programs going on in Dharampur/Kaprada. She promised for support in Germany [along with her team].   

2        The students from Tamachhadi High School had an exciting time when two luxury buses were sent by Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram to take them to a spacious Cricket Stadium in Valsad city. The cricket match between the students and the devotees of the Ashram was organized with food and all the fanfare which goes with it. There was the same arrangement for their return trip. 

3        Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram Educational Trust is planning to organize some sort of technical training program in cooperation with VPSS. A group consisting of the seniors of the Trust and Koki visited a reputed Training Institute. They have offered full cooperation for the Project. As a matter of fact, a team of that Technical Training Institute is to visit Dharampur shortly, to take interview of the aspiring youngsters for training. The word is spreading in the villages to motivate youngsters to join the training. 

4        In Tamachhadi – Vaghval – Chandvagan schools computers have been introduced as a trial program. It is just a beginning, with expansion in future. We got 9 computers as donation from several well – wishers. More are coming. 

5        With the support of Rotary Club - Queen’s Necklace [Bombay] a check - up camp [face – deformity-] was organized by RNC Eye Hospital in the new campus in Kaprada. An expert doctor came from all the way Bombay. Three patients [having deformity from birth] were identified for operation. They were successfully operated in Bombay. They were driven to and fro by a special jeep hired by the Rotary Club   It is sort of an adventure that the patients dared to come from remote and distant villages to Dharampur town & finally reached Bombay as was meticulously planned at both the ends  What a love of the Rotary Club! 

6        A demonstration meeting with one expert was held. He has prepared subject CDS for Primary and Secondary Schools. They were displayed to us on computer.  A few CDs have been purchased They are proving of great help.

7        About 400 students from 6 schools went to Ahmedabad and Gandhi Nagar on trip by luxury buses. It was a well – organized plan, spreading for a fortnight. The students of grades 8-9 from Shrimad R. High School are going on a trip of famous Agenta – Ilora etc. The parents provided 50 % expenses.

8        Our attention was drawn by Khanda School staff about one problem faced by a family in the neighborhood. They earlier cooperated in providing drinking water from their private well [by pump]. The boy from that family got admission in one B. Ed. College. After 6 months the family did not have money to carry on the study of their son. He was about to leave studies. Knowing all this VPSS provided support for the next term. 10 students got support from VPSS [funds coming mainly from Friends of Dharampur] for higher studies and also other critical needs including house repair/construction.

 

 


 

Training Camps

There were two Training Camps of our teachers for effective subjects teaching in 5-6-7 grades. It was based on creative activities, making & using educational equipments - tools and also education through Computer - CDS on various topics of the curriculum. There were 8 expert resource persons. They imparted practical training to our teachers. Both the camps went off very well. Hopefully it will improve the quality of education. There were 4 other training camps or training outside the schools.

 

Chandvagan & Tamachhadi Schools Recognized

We have to struggle for 8 long months to get approval of grades 6 & 7 [5/6 are approved earlier] of Vananchal Primary School from the competent government authorities, to run them directly by VPSS.  Long last we got approval of grade 6th, but rejection of grade 7th at the same time, on flimsy grounds. Then we appealed to the appeals department –against the rejection. Finally the 7th grade has been approved in the middle of January. So now Chandvagan is a full – fledged primary school [without govt. grant] conducted by VPSS directly – second one after Shrimad Rajchandra Primary School – Tamachhadi.

 

As required under government rules and regulations, two extra class rooms are being constructed at both the places, with the generous support of Shree K. C. Trust [See reference else where]. The plans were provided to the Trust followed by a discussion [for working out the details] with the top officials of the Trust in Bombay. They were so cooperative. One of the trustees then visited Chandvagan School for spot study. We made a big change in the plan in Chandvagan on environmental ground and also to generate local employment. It is the first experiment of stone rooms [no bricks], as one active field – work supporter from Bomaby [Mr. Rajesh Shah] has been very keen about it. Mr. Vasndani [who visited Chandvagan for Shree K.C. Trust] appreciated this innovative idea and agreed with the change in the plan.

 

Applied for Vaghval & Vankhas Schools

The application to get recognition of grades 4 & 5 [first phase] in Vaghval & Vankhas Schools has been submitted to the concerned government authorities.  It seems that the permission will be granted; with a condition that government will not give any grant now and in future. Two more class rooms in both the proposed Primary Schools would be ready in next June. The plans have been prepared and forwarded to the Trusts who have kindly offered to provide financial support.

 

One More High - School

After the encouraging experience of the first High School of VPSS in Tamachhadi [and encouraging SSC results of the first batch], VPSS decided to start another such school [with residential facilities] at Vaghval in Pindaval - Vaghval Block. The  schools in that block have been strengthened, reaching to 7th grade in last 14 years There is no secondary school for the population of about 20,000 people and 20 mountain villages in that strip. Three more rooms as required for the proposed High School are under construction in Vaghval and will be finished soon. If the High School is approved with a written condition that no government grants will be available now & sought in future.      

 

Talents Required

‘I read your covering note with the document of Project study. I am so happy to learn that Dharampur will be fortunate to get your quality contribution at the grass - roots in future. You are most welcome. We now require more of talents and skills, rather than money and materials. This is the final phase of Dharampur Project, as far as we are concerned. But we don't have such human resource and are [I am] getting old also - after the take-off stage, through which the project is passing and about to jump to new heights.

 

We are in a mood: Thus far and no further, though the flow of generous support from so many deeply concerned and charitable ‘Friends of Dharampur’ and our old base - Sweden is ever growing. The project – who ever will be the managers in years to come, would always bank upon such a support.’

[From a reply to one highly qualified lady, who made a study of Dharampur Project]

 

 

                  

SAD DEMISE OF THE PRESIDENT OF VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI                 

                                                                  SHREE BABUBHAI  SHAH

 

The president of Vedchhi Pradesh Seva Samiti and our beloved friend Shree Babubhai Shah died 6 weeks ago on account of massive heart attack. He supported Dharampur Project under VPSS whole heartedly. He died in harness, as he was in VPSS office Gadi [seat], when he breathed his last. It is a great loss to VPSS and public life. All at VPSS are trying to adjust to this so sudden & painful situation. All of us will try our best to carry on.

 

 

 

                                    VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI       

Tuff Friendship House : Vedchhi : 394641 : T. Valod : D. Surat INDIA

(02625)220154 & 222451 for Vedchhi - (02633) 293698 for Dharampu rMo. 9879569535          

       [from 1st of October – 2007 to 29th of February - 2008]

 

        Bhikhu Vyas & Kokila Vyas

 

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF WE CARE EVEN BY DOING SMALL THINGS
- IN A SMALL WAY

 

Tack till Strandskolan, Tyresö!

To The Rector  - Teachers & Students !

 
All of us are so enthused to learn from Ake Sandin [TUFF] that Strandskolan has collected SEK  31.152,  a couple of days back.  Converted into Indian currency, the figure will touch to 1,80,000 rupees. 
Taking the Indian economy into consideration, the amount will have a multiplying impact. It   would cover half of the total cost  - mainly food and salary of your Sister School  Virekshetra in Dharampur Block. We have 6 teachers and support staff in the school, having 47 girls & 71 boys  in grades 3,  4,  5,  6  &,7.  
It is a residential school.
 
Strandskolan deserves special congratulations and heartfelt thanks for breaking all former records. The spirit of supporting a school in an unknown corner thousands of kilometres away from Tyreso is so stimulating. Last week all our teachers were together in a  Training Camp for upgrading quality of education [using activity method and tools]. It was a great feeling for all assembled, when we broke this welcome news. Education is spreading fast amidst challenging logistics in isolated villages of Dharampur, on account of generous contribution of  Strandskolan & many other schools like yours, with effective coordination by Tuff. Great!  
 

While I am writing this mail, my mind goes back to those  wonderful days, when I had been to your school -last time in May - 2005. It was such an enriching feeling just to think of that visit, where I experienced so much concern. I know how  you generate support  through hard work by different imaginative methods; a mixture of fun, commitment and education!  
Just before my visit, two of your energetic teachers, 
Mia Tranehed and Anna-Karin Hylander,  visited our schools -- including Virekshetra. They very much liked  Virekshetra school - our committed  teachers and loving students. They have seen  how the support  was being used  for the kids of  poor communities  amidst forests and mountains.  While the families all over the world are becoming more and more self - centered, the Swedish Sister Schools Cooperation gives trust in the goodness of the wider society and more importantly, New Hope. Our schools modestly try to impart education with social concern, in poorest of the poor communities. Not only that, our schools are now creating positive atmosphere in the schools in the neighbourhood. It is such a nice feeing in our school community to learn that there are schools in far off Sweden, who are thinking of them and more importantly, working for them in their own way. To us who manage  the schools and other activities, your quality support is a source of great strength. From this distance you may not be aware that in a way, you are joining mission of Holistic Development at our local level and peace as well, I am happy to state. 
 
Sister - Schools Cooperation is a practical model of Friendship in Action. In a way, you are joining a mission, leading to peace. On account of such efforts, we may see one day, a new and better world - order.
 
Let me congratulate you for your gesture & convey best wishes to the lovely students and friendly teachers.
 

 Bhikhu , October 2007

[From the team in Dharampur] 

 

DHARAMPUR & KAPRADA
QUARTERLY -NEWS LETTER
[July – August – September : 2007]

O V E R - S E A S

Generous Support from TUFF - Sweden
VPSS received a generous contribution of rupees 17,92,961 from our long – time supporter TUFF - Sweden. This money is primarily meant for schools, wells, mango plantation, special schemes, casual programs and for bridging administrative expenditure, for running Dharampur Project. It covers now 100 villages and about 1,00,000 population, with one activity or the other in a large and remote hilly/forest block – logistically rather challenging. The money is collected voluntarily, mainly through Swedish Sister Schools, from Operation One Day Work [OODW], coordinated by TUFF.

Study Group in Sweden
Some resourceful members of Tuff initiated a 'Study Circle' about India, with focus on Dharampur. What they have embarked upon is the most worthy process of solidarity for which Tuff works. We wrote to the group, after getting this welcome news:

‘It is as well befitting the spirit of TUFF and VPSS – two voluntary organizations, one in Sweden and another in India. The generous support that VPSS has been getting from TUFF without a break since last 25 years is some sort of a model in the area of International Voluntary Cooperation between NGOS. The beauty of the relationship is that Tuff's is not just check - book charity or grant from some big International Aid Organization, having a paid professional staff. This is some thing unique, as the support comes out in a sharing spirit; with nothing but concern, love and commitment for the unfortunate poor - the victims of a faulty and totally unacceptable social order. We have a fond hope that with our joining hands in an imaginative and concrete way, we may bring some change [smile for a while] in the lives of those materialistically poor families, who have lost all hopes and are pushed out from the main stream development. We only live on hopes, in spite of the deplorable world scenario. All of you are most welcome.”

A Swedish School for Mobile Van
A school named Tyreso of Sweden worked for the Van Project, organizing voluntary contribution through social service by the students in the surrounding community. They collected RS 1,50.000 for the project. The school liked this project very much. We have purchased an equipped Van [Swedo/Indian Mobile Van] and are going ahead.

Margaretha/Gunnar Memorial
Margaretha and Gunnar are so much attached to Dharampur. There is nothing to compare with their other interests of life. At one stage they were seriously planning to stay 4 months in Valod [India], 4 months in Sweden and 4 months in Norway. But for the health problems of both – particularly of Margaretha [Her body is in Sweden, but her heart is in India] neither could they fulfill their dream, nor can they now visit Dharampur, though they follow Dharampur progress regularly and rather intensely, through phones.

All here at VPSS love them like family members. They came to know that a big celebration awaits their birth – day [M. - 70 & G. - 75] in December, through Tuff. We have been also informed that some collection is taking place to honor the couple. Eventually that collection would be diverted to Dharampur, for some befitting memorial. We here are also seriously considering naming some room or some such construction as ‘Margaretha – Gunnar Memorial’, in one of our remote schools, supported by Tuff, in the forest of Dharampur – sort of Friendship Bridge between TUFF & VPSS.


 


Three more wells
We have planned to construct three more wells no. 151 – 152 – 153 in Dharampur. The support is coming through TUFF Earlier Tuff supported 110 wells. One of the wells will be in sweet memory of late Olga, mother of Delby and Diana, who are devotedly helping Radio Tuff. We have been informed that Olga [from Peru] was a former cashier of Tuff and active Social Democrat. She was a widow of late Odmondo, who was also a great strength for R. Tuff. We have ‘Odmondo well’ in Dharampur. Now we will have Olga well.

We have been informed that a family [?] of a teacher, just retiring from one of the Sister Schools of Sweden is working on a plan to collect money for a well in Dharampur. What an involvement! The name to the well would be given, after we get more details.

Offer from a Swedish benefactor.
‘The short visit to Dharampur was one of the best moments in my life. My wife and my self have wondered if there is any kind of child welfare clinic in the villages of Dharampur. Do you have any plans to employ a midwife to help the mothers? If you think that a small clinic in the center of the villages could be of any use, we could contribute to the project. Is it a viable idea? My wife and I could help with Pound 10.000. Don’t put many efforts into my ideas as you have too much to do already’. [From a letter]

An Australian Visitor
Our Australian friend Alan was with us for 5 days. He came all the way to visit Dharampur after 35 years. Alan kept in touch with Dharampur through our reports. But he wanted to see our schools, check-dams, water-harvesting and other programs. He first visited us in Borakhadi in about 1965 [beginning of his carrier in the rural development], as the representative of CAA - Australia. He is now advisor [rural development] in Tymorese Government [new and smallest nation in the world]. In all the above - mentioned programs, Swedish Sister Schools are involved intensively, for the last two decades. In a way, Sweden [Tuff NGO] took over where Australia [CAA - NGO] left. Alan was so happy [he told me] after visiting Dharampur and hearing the story of the last two decades of Dharampur Development, nicely supported by Tuff - from day one.

Breman from the Netherlands Writes
Breman is a reputed sociologist in the Netherlands. He visits India once or twice every year. He had been to Dharampur also, two years back. He is a pro – poor pro - tribal expert on Development Strategies in India, with special interest in Gujarat. He has written several books on India, published by Oxford University Press. We know each – other since last more than 40 years. Breman was Guru [mentor] of Koki in her work through migrant Child – Centers around Vyara – Valod – Bardoli here [1984 -2000]. They reached to 65 [all supported by Tuff] covering 2500 kids in final stage. After reading the latest Approach and – Perspective paper on Dharampur, Breman wrote:
“I have read the paper with much interest. It gives a realistic picture of the condition in Dharampur. You are doing what you can and you should. You should continue those efforts, even if it looks like swimming against the tide’.

 

L O C A L


Check - Dams
With the joint contribution of RS 10,51,424 from the ‘Rotary Club of Mumbai Queen's Necklace Charitable Trust’ & ‘Rotary Club of Bridgeport’ [USA], a massive earthen check - dams program was successfully undertaken. With the matching labor contribution of the beneficiaries, the total project cost came close to 2 million rupees. During the dry spell of the last monsoon, rain water stored in new lakes was useful for transplantation of paddy in 116 hectares, covering 214 families. These dams are now long - term asset of the community. 40 dams [against the target of 35] were completed, before the end of June, totaling 315 to date, within 8 years. The community got food – grain wages worth RS 9,50,000. A nice employment in lean period, when hardly there are any paid jobs.

Additionally 3 more check - dams have been built with the help of 2 other Rotary Clubs of Bombay. This is how the total reached to 43 dams. In all, paddy [the main food item] could be transplanted this season in 124 hectares, on account of these dams. 10 existing wells will be recharged and 2 bore wells/hand - pumps will become live, as also fresh water streams emerged at 4 places. It would partially solve drinking water problem. It is one of the prime objectives of check – dams project. At some places change in cropping pattern has taken place. Drinking water problem for cattle will also be resolved to some extent, in a few villages.

These are dams of mud & stones, constructed by the people. No outside experts were involved. In a way, this is an ideal ‘Food for Work’ program: It was totally managed by young local workers, in cooperation with the respective villages. The local leaders were associated as volunteers right from the site - selection to the completion of the check dams. This is a model community-centered productive project, rather cheap and simple.

Soil - Bunding
The representative of the same Rotary Club which supported check dams program mentioned above, visited one dam and soil - bunding program, where agricultural operations were on, in the new fields. They emerged on account of bunding program. He indicated that good help for the program would follow from the Rotary. In that case, a big soil – bunding program will be taken up soon. 1700 hectares have been brought under cultivation under this program in last 12 years. Now there would be a big jump.

Girls’ Hostel
24 girls have been admitted in the new Girls’ Hostel in village Bilpudi. This is the modest beginning of the hostel. The offer to start such a Hostel came rather very late. Accordingly, every thing followed late, on war - footing. It was a pious wish of the donor that the girls should get the benefit of the hostel [and further education 11th] from this June and they should not miss one year. The same materialized eventually, as planned.

The girls aspiring for higher education did not have any facility in their native villages, some 20 - 30 km away from Dharampur in mountains and forests. The Girls’ Hostel is situated at a beautiful place in the middle of the Project Area. It is shaping as the center for meetings, hosting visitors, distribution spot and other central activities. The people easily reach to the Hostel to meet Koki for their needs and when there are problems.

In retrospect, the land is donated by a tribal farmer. The buildings have been constructed with the help of a noble donor. He came forward with support on his own. For running cost for food & other daily routine requirements, VPSS received a generous donation from one Swedish well - wisher. He visited Tamachhadi School casually two years ago, with his Indian friend. His continuous involvement and support are great. [See above]


Boys’ Hostel
Pramod is our casual driver in Dharampur. His father was once taken up very ill, with sort of heart problem. I came to know about the sickness and ran to his house [about a km away] from our old home in Bilpudi. We rushed to the hospital. He was given emergency treatment and recovered rather fast. A few days back, some young boys were loitering in the street, near his modest house. The gentleman asked his driver son to meet them and find out why were they moving in such a strange manner. They were found to be our students of Tamachhadi - desperately searching a room. They wanted to continue their study in 11th [Gymnasium]. That gentleman invited all of them and gave a room, without rent. He even asked them to tell other such students needing accommodation to stay with them. The boys bring ration from home, cook simple food and are now studying. The family even helps in cooking, out of concern and love for the young students. They made us think of starting some sort of a Boys’ Hostel. Now on way

Another instance is rather more compelling. A boy who studied in our Vankhas School some how joined some high school and got through SSC. He did not get admission in any Higher Secondary School. He ran down to Koki at the Hostel. With her recommendation he got admission. Now the problem was where could he stay. He was immediately given an opportunity to stay in a corner of the hostel kitchen, with night-halt in the house, where Koki lives. That was the modest initiation of future Boys’ Hostel. Since last two months, the same old gentleman who provided generous support for the Girls’ Hostel [he had visited it with his brother] is bringing tremendous pressure of love on Koki, to start a Boys’ Hostel [for Gymnasium], with his total support. Koki is busy searching an appropriate site and hopes to succeed soon [With land donation].

Mobile Van
Koki and one activist lady from Bombay [joining us] had been to Bhavnagar [Saurashtra] for two days to study the project [Van], operating in the schools in the poorer blocks. We have selected two special teachers and sent them for training in Bhavnagar & Ankleshwer [the base]. The books – charts - maps and other items have been purchased. We have got some science equipments as gifts.

Mango Plantation
1700 mango plants have been distributed to the guardians of the students under the program: ‘Development to link the schools and the community’. The guardians paid token price. It includes 250 plants planted in the land of the farmer, who donated land. 1000 teak wood plants, 35 coconut plans and several other plants also have been planted there. The Hostel students take care of the plants and help the farmer family in agricultural operations also. To the community in the remote villages, 2650 mango plants have been given at their door-steps at concessional rate. The figure of mango saplings distributed in Dharampur and Kaprada Talukas has reached to 75,000 in last 15 years. According to reports reaching to us the results the plantation are fairly satisfactory.

 

Medical Help
VPSS provided emergency medical help in several cases like suspected heart trouble. The patients were rushed to the hospital. A young mason fell in the well and got fractured. He was taken to the hospital and treated well with satisfactory recovery. The lady from the family of the land – donor for the Girls’ Hostel was taken up ill twice. She was taken to the hospital and was well attended. The grand man and another member from the family were also fell ill and were provided help. A girl student from the hostel had severe stomach upset at night. She was shifted to the hospital immediately and got recovered. There were few other cases of ordinary nature. They were given help.

When two very poor patients [single] arrived to the Hostel to meet a group from Bombay, they were offered not only medical help, but also support to construct their small cottages, as they are hand to mouth. Beginning of modest new housing program. Good.

What a Spirit
“First of all let me confess that I am not a good doctor. I cannot leave the patient half way and then tell him to go to some other doctor. I am really sorry for my last email, where in I left the student half way and then told him to go to some one else. Either one should do a complete job or not do at all. I will complete the full job, as whole night I could not sleep well, thinking about my blunder. Sorry.”

[From a letter of one well – wisher. He first offered half the amount needed for College & Hostel fees of a student (son of our worker) who joined University for Bio-technology. He paid full finally.]


Higher Education
Totally six students got support for Higher Education this year, with support from Bomaby well -wishers. One such boy who got all the support from first grade up to BSC – BED is now a principal of one recently started High School in country side of Dharampur. I visited his school. We took round of our schools, to take spot decisions.


Two Planning meetings
We had two meetings in the Girls’ Hostel in Bilpudi. One meeting was held with our head - masters and representatives of the Students' Committees from all the 7 schools, one girl & one boy from each school. This is a new initiative prompted by Mr. Rajesh Shah from Bombay, where the students' representatives also joined in the review and planning exercise. He initiated discussion.

Another meeting and get – to – gather was held in the Hostel with seniors of several active NGOS. It was lead by the coordinator of ‘Friends of Dharampur’ Mr. Rashminbhai, to plan different non - schools programs after monsoon and to share the moments with our workers. During April – May – June, they volunteered physical and mental efforts in the construction of the Hostel, to speed - up the work on war – footing, as monsoon was fast approaching. It was timely and much - needed labor – donation by all our teachers and many students. Finally Koki made it – with great tension, on time.

Love & Concern of two old Educationists
They have greatly inspired us. We know Dr. Dhirubhai since last 40 years. He lived in US for the last two decades. He is now settled in India. He is keenly interested in ‘Dharampur March’. At the age of 90, at last he came personally to the Hostel, to greet us. Another old man Dr. Fadakesaheb [95] now lives in Pune. In his young days he was a professor in Surat District. He is associated with a Trust in Navasari. The Trust earlier supported a class room in Dharampur. Reading an article about the Hostel, he immediately wrote me, how concerned was he. He is trying desperately with the Trust in Navsari, to support Dharampur Schools. He has asked me to approach them.

 

A Case – Study of Subhash
[From a landless poor family]

About 3 months back one boy - Subhash met Koki in the Hostel, with a request for support for his studies. About 15 years ago his uncle was the first tribal to donate land, with an only condition to start some sort of educational activity on it. A school took birth accordingly, in his remote village named Vankhas. Otherwise also the case of Subhash was genuine one. So he was given support for higher education [Primary Teacher's Course – PTC].

After getting admission, he was asked to bring more money for hostel – fees etc., as it was a private college, some 500 km away from Dharampur. His land – less labor family could not manage the big amount. Finally, the boy called me. I invited him to Valod. After hearing an alarming story of his life as below, we immediately provided all the money required, to carry on his study.
He was very poor and his father cannot speak even Gujarati. He can speak only local dialect. The parents [couple] shifted to the village Vankhas from his native place and joined the in - laws as helpers in their agriculture. In Tribals there is practice where in, son - in - law form poor back – ground leaves his parents and joins the in - laws of the wife permanently, after marriage.
I was wonderstruck to know from him that we made arrangement for the boy for free study [after 7th] when he was a child, in the Gandhian school in Vedchhi village. He surprised me by revealing that he often visited us in our Vedchhi home [far away from Dharampur].
He completed Gymnasium education in Vedchhi, but could not get admission in PTC for next 4 years. He got graduated in the meanwhile. He studied in the college [B.A.] and staying in government hostel in Dharampur town.
He met with a serious accident in the mean while, about 6 months back, when he realized that he has serious heart problem. His poor family started consulting doctors with the support of the in –laws. Finally it was found that he had defective valve from birth. Then he consulted a heart – specialist. He was advised to go in for heart operation.
Learning that there is a hospital at far away place, doing free heart operation; he rushed there. There he was told that his case was risky and was advised to rush to the government Hospital in Ahmedabad. There he was told that though the case was risky, they were prepared operate. He agreed immediately and was successfully operated in last May. He was given concession in the bills according to government. rules. Even then his family had to manage for a hand some amount. They took loans from the relatives and community leaders.
After a long struggle - a battle with destiny - now Subhash is finally settled in one PTC College, to get training as a Primary Teacher [PTC]. I personally met his father and family in Vankhas and assured them not to worry for the next year. It is a two – years course and we will mange.
N E W S  I N  B R I E F
  •  A music training camp was held for all the selected students of 8 schools/hostel in Bilpudi Hostel.
  •  I visited Bombay for 2 days. I met a few well - wishers. I gave idea of the Hostel Project. As we have got full support for Capital expenditure [land & buildings], I spoke about long - term maintenance and running cost requirement [also future Boy’s Hostel]. The dialogue will continue, as one gentleman took keen interest.
     
  •  We got books, science equipments and furniture for the Hostel and the Van.
     
  • A second electric motor has been installed in another bore - well in Bilpudi Hostel. The idea is to provide irrigation facilities to the farmer, who donated land for Hostel. VPSS is supporting all 3 children of the family. 1 for post - graduation and another for graduation. The third one [girl] is admitted in the Hostel.
     
  •  The Gas Plant attached to the Girls’ Hostel in Bilpudi is functioning successfully. It requires cow – dung also. The tribal families surrounding the Hostel are providing it turn–by–turn. Wonderful cooperation. Grateful to the community.



    MASTER KEY TO HAPPINESS

    BY MEANS OF THE CONSTANT EFFORT TO DO GOOD TO OTHERS, WE ARE TRYING TO FORGET OURSELVES. THIS FORGETFULNESS OF SELF IS THE ONE GREAT LESSON WE HAVE TO LEARN.
     MAN THINKS FOOLISHLY THAT HE CAN MAKE HIMSELF HAPPY AND AFTER YEARS OF STRUGGLE FINDS OUT AT LAST THAT TRUE HAPPINESS CONSIST IN KILLING SELFISHNESS AND THAT NO ONE CAN MAKE HIM HAPPY EXCEPT HIMSELF.

    :SWAMI VIVEKANAND:
     


VEDCHHI PRADESH SEVA SAMITI
Tuff Friendship House : Vedchhi : 394641 : T. Valod : D. Surat INDIA
(02625)220154 & 222451 for Vedchhi - (02633) 293698 for Dharampu rMo. 9879569535

 

 

 NEWS & CURRENTS: DHARAMPUR
April-July 2007



A LAND-MARK: GIRL’S HOSTEL FOR HIGHER SECONDARY STUDENTS
The plan to start a Hostel for Gymnasium level girls of forests and mountains of was conceived just 4 months back. The idea came from a supporter of Dharampur. We jumped into it without any road map or consideration of resources, which may be required in long term for running cost.

The first batch from Tamachhadi high school appeared in SSC in last March [2007]. 27 out of 28 students passed with good gradation. It was felt that boys could manage some how but for girls it is impossible to continue their study. The only solution for them was the hostel facility. There is no good Gymnasium in remote villages, having a population of about 300000 people. But such a facility does exist in Dharampur town. Under no circumstances the girls could come to Dharampur every day from their distant villages, without any Public Transport System worth the name. They studied through out from grade one in our 6 hostel–based schools in different corners of Dharampur. Naturally they developed a special attitude about life. Such a human resource should not get blocked after high school education is completed. Without hostel facility most of them must have left studies, joined labor force and may have married. That is the end of their carrier.

The person who mooted the idea provided finance for construction. Fortunately we got a patch of land with nice landscape - a donation by a tribal neighbour. It is enough for the requirement of the hostel and staff quarters. The programs like computer training, vocational training, technical subjects, camps and other plans may be devised later on. There is enough land for all this.

When two major issues of land and construction were settled, we were worried for the routine running cost [Food etc.] of the inmates. Just at that stage we received a generous donation from a Swedish gentle man – unasked. It could take care of 25 to 30 hostellers. [See letter below]

All the 9 girls got through in SSC and have joined the hostel. 15 more girls from other high schools have also been admitted, totalling 24. They are accommodated in a hostel for H. School run by a sister organization. The Hostel on the new site started yesterday with Koki shifting there.
24 girls temporarily accommodated at another place in Dharampur will are reaching on Sunday. [15th]. A post – graduate lady studied in Seco. School in Borakhadi has taken charge as a rector.

MORE ABOUT HOSTEL
All senior teachers and students of our schools joined ongoing work, to speed up the construction of Girls’ Hostel - A token ‘Solidarity Operation’. The construction started amidst water crisis in April. The neighbouring school came to our rescue. Our lorry transported water from there. Another bore is now drilled successfully. Amidst heavy rains, the cottage of the owner of land collapsed in the night. That was our store room. The debris was removed the next morning by volunteers. 550 mango saplings/coconut trees have been planted in the fields around. The garden is now ready.
There are 18 boys who passed the Exam. At least 16 of them are studying further. For 5 of them who opted for science, we have managed to get admission in one in Surat, run by likeminded Gandhian team. Most others have joined Gymnasium in Dharampur. Some have joined technical schools. The parents of these students can hardly participate in this process to guide their sons for their future carriers. We are in touch and have finally left it to the choice of respected students.
There was a big rush in the 8th grade in Tamachhadi High School this year. Against 28 who left after completing SSC [Completing High School education], 46 students have been admitted
AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAM OF 43 CHECK - DAMS
With the joint contribution of RS 10,51,424 from a Rotary Club from Mumbai, Rotary Club of Bridgeport [USA] and ‘Rotary International’ a massive check - dams [Totalling 317 to date, within a decade] program has been completed. With the matching labour contribution of the beneficiaries, the total project cost touched to a little over RS 2 millions. The rain water to be stored will be used for irrigation to save a crop. The dams are a long-term asset. As for data, 40 dams have been constructed in 36 villages. The workers got food – wages of RS 9,50,000. 3 more Check - dams have been built with the help of 2 other Rotary Clubs of Bombay, totaling 43 dams this season.

SOIL BUNDING
This is an important program to save scarce and precious soil in Dharampur Block. It is part of composite package plan of Dams, Soil Bunding, Wells and Oil - engines. In the reclaimed land, the agriculture has become operational. There is unlimited scope for Soil – Bunding program.

In retrospect, it was the most modest beginning in 1995/6 with the help of TUFF. 1998 one Trust from Bombay [the first ever support from an Indian source] offered support, which continues from various sources. A case study of soil-bunding program so far done was recently conducted by one Agency. Some vital facts from the document submitted to the agency Anandi [Panch Mahals]

• In last 12 years over 100,000 person days Bunding [Soil -Conservation] done by people.
• Around 40 villages have been covered under the program.
• About 3000 families have been benefited by this sort of ‘Food for Work’ program.
• They have received approximately 300,000 kg of food grains as wages [50%]. Over and above partial employment as a sort - term result. The program [also dams] is making positive impact on environment & employment at large in Dharampur/Kaprada Counties.
• As long term benefit, the families have created permanent and productive assets.
• Again erosion of soil has been arrested and moisture preserved.
• The beneficiaries roughly must have contributed about 36,00,000 RS [in form of labour].
• Most importantly, about 1600 Hectares of waste land is repaired and/or reclaimed.
• According to broad estimate, a family must have got additionally net income [food grains] of RS. 2000 on an average, during 2 to 3 months of lean period, when they have no jobs.
• All this is done at the door – steps of the people and in their hamlets.
• Our central idea is to cover more and more families in more and more left - out villages.


MOBILE LIBRARY VAN
VPSS got a donation of RS 300000 from one Trust for a Mobile Van, to cover 15 Government Primary Schools, around 6 Tuff schools that we have been running in Dharampur. The initiative in this case came from the Bombay Trust after learning about the activities of Dharampur Project. Tyreso school of Sweden worked for a Day and collected SEK 28400 for this particular Project.

VISITORS
There were 10 groups and individuals who visited Tuff schools, the High school and other development programs in Dharampur. Our coordinator in Bombay Mr. Sangahvi recently visited Vaghval and other schools with one gentleman. He lived in London for about 40 years and is now working in the slum kids of Bombay. During the night halt we had an interesting discussion about the back – ground of Dharampur ‘Development March’ and future direction as well as plans.

MANGO PLANTATION
2000 mango plants have been distributed to the schools and the guardians under the program, ‘Schools to the Guardians’. The guardians are paying half of the actual price of the sapling. 5000 more plants on the same lines are being distributed soon

MASS MARRIAGES
As the extension of Mass marriages program executed earlier successfully, some leaders approached one of our teachers. In his presence mass marriages of 10 couples was performed.

NEW WELLS
4 new wells [normal] have been constructed, with the labour contribution of the beneficiaries in the villages having acute drinking water problem. The support came from the families now settled in Bombay and other places, having roots in Dharampur, when it was a princely state.

COMPUTER EXPANSION
One of the pioneers of Valod activities some 55 years ago [we are the product of that movement], who later shifted to London for business, donated from three computes, with all the accessories for Tamachhadi High School. He visited the school a couple months back and promised help.
 



SUPPORT FROM SWEDEN

A UNIQUE GESTURE
The following is the summary of e – mail from Örjan who supported Girls’ Hostel Project:

“My wife Greta and I should like to help one of ‘your’ girls to finance her studies at a first class University.
Both Greta and I are now 80 and we will probably not be around when the girl has got her University degree. If you can take the trouble to handle this, we should be very happy. First we want to transfer 10, 000 pound sterling to you.

We should like to name the scholarship: P B Patwari´s Scolarship. Karin and Allan are our children, adopted in Ahmedabad in1961, with the help of Mr. Patwari [Ex - Governor of Madras]. It may be of interest to know that Karin is the very first girl that has been LEGALLY adopted in India. To our surprise we could not get a formal court document for Karin. In the law there was no provision for adopting a GIRL. Mr Patwari talked to Mr Nehru and the law was changed by the parliament, adding girls. You are free to dispose of money without our consent if you find it more useful for any other purpose in favor of girl’s education.”


OLGA WELL IN DHARAMPUR
A well in honor of Olga Alata from Peru will come up next year in one of the needy villages of Dharampur. It is a tribute to the whole family who worked for Tuff.

SUPPORT FROM TYRESO ROTARY
“It gives me great pleasure that about a decade back your club supported one well in Dharampur. It is one of the most successful wells, out of 155 that we have built in last decade and a half. It is very useful for the residential school and surrounding population all the year round. With special assistance from our Government, we have water - works as well there.

From your second contribution last year, 2 bore - wells have been dug, attached with electric motor. Furthermore, one well is repaired and one well has been reconstructed. These 4 units would provide clean water to about 700 persons. Are happy to know from Tuff that once again [third time] your Club is to help one more well.

What ever we have done so far is not even a drop in the ocean of abject poverty of the area that we have selected; but we are trying what ever little is possible in our own way, with national and international support. Yes, much remains to be done yet”.
[Summary of my letter]

REPLY FROM TYRESO ROTARY WITHIN MOMENTS
We sincerely hope that our small tribute can come regularly in future.

SWEDISH SCHOOLS WORKING FOR DHARAMPUR SCHOOLS
What Bergtorpsskolan has achieved is not only 'real good' as you wrote, but The Best. I have no words to express my admiration for the way you [and others] must have organized voluntary work for a ‘Day’. I can presume how all the students and the teachers must have worked with missionary zeal. I remember your words, after you visited few of our Schools here, amidst challenging logistics and abject poverty - scarcity & neglect, when we returned to Valod: 'We will have to work hard'. Our schools are so lucky - Dharampur is so lucky - We are so lucky. Not only is this going to help our schools the most for their routine [and very vital] needs; but more importantly, your ' Successful Operation ' would provide us lot of strength and stimulus.
[4 Sister Schools in Sweden worked for Tuff Schools of Dharampur recently.]

REVEALING CORRESPONDENCE
‘When I read the details of the fine results I was even more impressed and happy for the students. It’s almost unbelievable! In Sweden all surveys have told us that children from homes with educated parents get the best results. I will tell my pupils about this result.’

[From a letter of a teacher in Sweden, who worked in her school for about two decades for Dharampur Schools. She has as well visited Dharampur area. My reply is below:]

“The students only learnt in the schools [no extra coaching classes which is common here]. No family support in any way. During long vacations they migrate to cities to work and get income. One extreme case is of a boy. He stood second with 76.5 % marts. He knew about the result after three days, when he came home. His family living in a very remote village did not have any idea of the result and did not even know in which town his boy had migrated. No extra books or guides. While in the schools, [they stay there] they have to manage their routine, [including cooking] in the self - help hostel life. Hardly any person in Dharampur Forests knows a - b - c - d of English. The real credit goes to the students, as they worked very hard, with determination and firmness”.

[From a letter written to one of the teachers who visited Dharampur in last Christmas. Recently four schools of Sweden as Sister Schools worked for schools here, for mango plantation, wells and miscellaneous items and to bridge administrative & incidental cost.]

WHY TO SUPPORT VPSS?
Quoted from an article of Ake Sandin [Tuff – Sweden] Nicholas. He sent it to us.
"There are several advantages in supporting the Tuff projects. They are focused at 'the poorest of the poor' as our partners express it. Everybody in Tuff and Radio Tuff works unpaid, so every single paisa goes unreduced to the projects. We have Gandhian partners in India, who manage to use the contributions extremely well. They make SEK 100 in India doing at least ten times more outcome than the same amount could have done in Sweden"


Bhikhu Vyas & Kokila Vyas

[Friendship House: Near Gandhi Vidyapith: Vedchhi : 394641 : T. Valod : D. Surat]


LOVE IS THE STRONGEST FORCE THE WORLD POSSESSES
AND YET IT IS THE HUMBLEST IMAGINABLE
: MAHATMA GANDHI :

 

 

March 2007
N E W S  B U L L E T I N
 

  [ D H A R A M P U R  &  K A P R A D A ]  

S W E D E N  &  A B R O A D

                

Generous Tuff Contribution For Dharampur

 

VPSS has received RS 14,35,000 from Tuff  [Sweden], for major bridging support for 5 schools and other expenses to run ' Dharampur Comprehensive Development Project ', during June 2007 to June 2008 and wells before June [2007] as well as mango plantation during the next monsoon. The support primarily based on OODW of several spirited Swedish Sister Schools is a major source of funding on an ever - increasing scale for Dharampur Project for the last 18 years, without a break. The roots of the Project are in the cooperation between Tuff & VPSS, let us gratefully mention. 

 

Determination of Swedish Teachers

A team of three teachers from a Swedish school working for one school of Dharampur [since we started regular schools 15 years ago] visited Dharampur - Kaprada for 5 days in January. They visited 5 schools, a check – dam under construction, a finished dam, a new well just started [supported by Tyreso Rotary Club – out of 7], soil conservation program and mango plantation. They also joined the students of Tamachhdi to Valsad Cricket Stadium. They watched the match and the grand performance of Tamachhadi Students, in front of a large gathering.

 

A brief background will not be out of place here. After reaching Paris they were told just when they were to take a plain to India that there were some defects in their passport. So they cannot travel in Air - India. This determined team went back to Sweden by the next possible plain, approached the Indian embassy the next day and finally got clearance. They took another plain and reached Vedchhi, wasting two precious days and all the discomfort of new reservations. What a resolve! I wrote to them:

 

‘It seems, you have been tested our of proportion by the bureaucracy. But all of you stood that with remarkable strength, calm and success. Finally you made the trip. Great.  The genuine people like you, that too teachers, working for a life - long mission of friendship and nothing but love have suffered. You were put in a humiliating situation, with lot of tension and uncertainty! VPSS has a real partnership with Tuff - a voluntary organization, wedded to peace and development in the third world. 'Dharampur Development March', now in its nineteenth year is a model of solidarity and sharing, in the emancipation of the poorest of the poor people.’ They wrote after returning home: 

 

" We really learnt a lot about your schools and the fantastic work you are doing. We are happy that we can be a part in this ‘March’ ".

 

A Lady from Holland to Restart Support

‘ I dug up a nice email you sent me in 2003. Trees and I have deep wish to contribute again to your life-work of helping the poorest of the poor. We are so much impressed by the reports you keep on sending to us regularly.  You show us the importance of sharing and being there for people in need. you have worked out a program of development for a huge area and brought so many people hope and help, to make things better and easier in their lives.’ 

[Summary of a mail form Myriam, after a gap of two years]

 ‘The more we try to reach the goals, the more horizons are expanding and unfolding. We are few and are getting old, though mentally still young. It is in our hands to travel as fast as possible, to reach the poorest of the poor; who remained totally neglected and invisible to the society at large and the governments, during the last 6 decades of independence. But reaching the goals is not that easy. It depends upon several factors beyond our control. We only can claim modestly that we are trying and our dreaming never stops. The sky is the limit. We are fortunate to have so many supports like you and encouragement from all the directions, local as well as overseas'. [from my reply] 

[Myriam from the Netherlands worked with us. She wrote a thesis for her Masters’ and later on visited Dharampur].    

 

What a concern! 

'I very much appreciated your concern for Dharampur students. In the next June, those who get through SSC [final test -10th grade of Secondary School] would be eligible to join 11th grade. It is for two years [11th & 12th]. Then some of them may join University. We will keep your noble promise in mind for the students, who opt for further education. How nice that there are friends like you, who are concerned for them, so much in advance!' [Summary of my reply]

 

The same Swedish gentleman was in India and was going to revisit Dharampur. He got ill and could not come. But he phoned me, before he left for Sweden and informed that he has left Indian currency [Rs 7000] - not useful to him, as he was leaving for home with  a quality book - seller friend of him, to purchase books for Dharampur Schools. Incidentally we got many books this year from 4 other sources, to celebrate some occasion in their families. Great.

 

American Indian Foundation

We had guests here in Vedchhi . We discussed the issue of migrant kids with them - mainly problem of their schooling. The group represented American India Foundation [AIF]. They work on seasonal migration, as part of their broader program towards universalization of elementary education in India, in cooperation with several NGOS. The AIF has worked out a plan to run 15 schools for the kids of migrant sugar cane cutters [around Ukai Dam]. A small beginning has been made there. We earlier ran many child centers [Balwadies], with the help of TUFF for their kids, amidst their miserable camps in Surat District.

 

A Committed Teacher of Sweden

A teacher working in Sweden for Dharampur writes after a long silence:

‘I got the News Letter from Tuff today  You and Kokila are examples of people who have done so much good and never stop working for those who really need you. And your good names are even known in the far North [Sweden]! I am happy to be a witness to your work [She visited Dharampur some years back]. My thoughts often return to that week in your company. Thank you for the lovely card drawn by a student! I liked it very much’.

 

Welcome Gesture from Swedish Students

One student from Sweden [with four others] visited Dharampur in the beginning of the year. After returning home gave a talk at his parent’s residence and was successful in collecting SEK 4,000 [about RS 25,000] for Dharampur Projects. Youngsters like him keep our hopes alive in peace and brotherhood. We also got a mail from the others, where they told that they would also work for Dharampur Project.  A line from their mail:

‘It was so nice to see so much happiness and joy among people in your organization with its different projects that we visited. We will keep in touch.’

 

 I N D I A

      

Involvement of Queens’ Necklace Rotary Club - Bombay

 

A delegation of 8 Rotarians visited Dharampur recently. The delegation took keen interest mainly in soil/water conservation program as well as other activities. They shared views with core group, about future development strategies, while in Tamachhadi Hill School.

 

Till last year 272 check dams have been constructed by Vedchhi Pradesh Seva Samiti. This year VPSS will be completing 40 additional check dams. 23 are ready by now and 4 are in the process. The rest will be completed before June. These check dams have been financed by a donation of RS 10,50,000  from the above – mentioned Rotary Club. [in cooperation with Rotary International]

 

They also saw some check dams and understood the benefits of the check dams. In one place, rice was distributed by Rotary members to the tribal workers, who had constructed the dams. This is a real ‘Food for Work Program'. 

The project when completed will cost a little over 2 million rupees. It would be executed with approximately 50 % labor contribution of the beneficiaries. The rest 50 % wages [about RS 1 million] will be paid [payment started last week] in form of food grains. So it is a three - pronged Project : Local person power, Local technology and Local material. Nothing is from out - side in this remote area, accept special agro – plastic. 

 

New Program of Check Dam Repairs

One of our regular donor’s from Bombay offered support on his own, for the repairs of the existing check - dams.  When another regular supporter from Bombay heard about this gesture during our recent visit of Bombay, she also joined hands. 

 

Wonderful Support from Bombay Foundation

Last month we moved in Dharampur block with a delegation of a Foundation from Bombay. They supported substantially all our 7 schools, in last few months.  Now all the 7 schools are colored and white - washed with better wire – fencing, iron gates, water – tanks, two more uniforms for all the students, beddings [for those who lacked] with support of iron stands and begs for the students who were not having them, with open cabinets, to arrange the begs systematically, books with two cup – boards [in each school]  music system with instruments, cassettes, microphones, special dresses for cultural programs and fans. Just arrived school begs for all the students. 

 

Mini Water – Works in two Schools

The mini water – works is ready now in Chandvagan School and Tamachhadi High School. It will substantially add to the present facility for this basic requirement. The Foundation provided total support for both the water - works. 

 

Land Ownership : A Step Ahead

We have mentioned earlier in several News Letters about an on – going exercise for the land – ownership issue, undertaken jointly by one women’s organization namedOlakh’ of Baroda and VPSS. Finally on 4th of February, a 'Training Camp' of 40 selected young volunteers was conducted in our Chandvagan School. An expert of the subject  high - lighted the issue and guided the volunteers: How to proceed. Finally a 'Perspective Action Plan' was worked out.


We visited the 'Camp' along with the visitors from Bombay. The Bombay group will support the honorarium part [small salary] for 25 volunteers. They would start house/to/house survey before long in the respective villages assigned to them, to identify the families who tilled land [hectares] till cut – off date of 2005. According to the law passed by the Indian Parliament recently, the families so identified will be entitled to own that much land. When executed, it would be sort of mini revolution for the landless poor tribes. The ownership of land may bring welcome change and make all our programs of water & soil conservation etc. more meaningful, with the passage of time.  

 

A Novel Support

After reading an article about Dharampur project one 87 years old gentleman from Bombay approached us on phone. He proposed to help Dharampur Schools in his on way. He runs a Trust in Gujarat. As directed by him the trustee [also a principal of a high school] came all the way to Tamachhadi, some 1000 km away. He conducted coaching classes for the school students as well as [supported by his technical assistant] taught the teachers and students how to use plastic as tiles on the roof, to get more sun light.

 

Young Artist from Vaghval School

The main pillar coordinating support in Bombay for ‘Dharampur Development March’ selected a drawing from one artist student, as a Greeting Card for the New Year. He screen – printed the same and sent the card to his friends, relatives and clients in India and abroad. Further more, he sent money to that poor tribal boy [artist]. The repair of his small house in a very remote village is in progress from this support.

Also were selected some drawings from students of Tamachhadi Shrimad Rajachandra High School for the same purpose by another interested group. The students of 10th grade in Tamachhadi were given dictionaries from local language into English as well as from English into local language [Gujarati], as a token of appreciation for their art.

 

Greeting Cards by Students

At present, the students in VPSS schools are drawing the same type of G. Cards as before. We have sent 200 cards to Tuff [Sweden]  More are being done.

 

Emergency Health Support

A student from one of our schools met with an accident and broke his hand, as also one villager and our driver [other problems]. All three of them were treated in Shrimad Rajachandra Hospital of Dharampur at concessional charges. The rest of the bills of all three of them were paid by one Bombay well - wisher. All of them are fine.

 

Thesis on our Schools

A graduate of social studies from a reputed Gandhian school of higher education [Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad] is now writing a thesis about TUFF Mini Schools, for his doctorate.  He visited our schools and took our interviews.

 

Office in Kaprada

We have started an office to coordinate development programs like Dams etc. for the remote villages around Kaprada. A recently appointed worker [graduated in Social Works] will also work as public relation coordinator for government schemes, devised for the benefit of the community.

 

Cordial Invitation by Shriamd Rajachandra Ashram to our students

The mentor [Guruii] of Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram of Dharampur respected Shree Rakeshbhai visited Tamachhadi school - complex last month. He casually inquired about the SSC students [first batch]. Sensing the problem of stay in Dharampur town,  he asked the Ashram management to provide lodging and boarding facilities to the students. Great.

 

There were 3 monthly sessions to teach various subjects and skills to the students of Shrimad Rajchandra Primary and Secondary school in Tamachhadi. The volunteer teachers from the Ashram informed the S.S.C. students that the arrangement for their final SSC examination has been made in the Ashram, as directed by their Guruji. It is perhaps a rare occasion that such student guests will stay in the Ashram. It is a great relief for all of us. Otherwise, the only possibility was to travel for the students from Tamachhadi to Dharampur [28 km] every day, to appear in the exam. We were going to arrange for vehicle to travel this distance. Even then it could have been full of tension. Now the students will stay in the quiet atmosphere of the Ashram, in a relaxed mood.

 

Ex - Student of Khnda in Army

An ex – student of Khanda Ashram School got a job in Army. He required an initial deposit during 6 - months training period. He is hand to mouth and was on the point of loosing the opportunity. The arrangement has been worked out, when we came to know the problem.

 

Application for Running Schools Directly

VPSS applied to the education department of the State Government, to run two schools directly [grades 4-5] at Vaghval and Vanakhas [converting present Hostel – Schools in Regular schools] and to add grade 7th [grades 4-5-6 are approved] in Tamchhadi and grades 6-7 [grades 4-5 are approved] in Chandvagan. The follow – up is on.

 

Training and Health camps

Two training camps of 100 students and two health camps were held in our schools by different Trusts, associated with health care issue.

 

Mass Marriages

The positive experience gained last year [loan given for marriages and its recovery – mentioned in the earlier ‘News Letter’] with 7 poor tribal couples, enthused some Bombay supporters to plan out mass marriages directly, on a wider scale. As soon as the plan got a shape, a well – wisher from Bombay sent 100 dress and ornament kits as marriage gifts for all the couples [for the boys and the girls both]. Other friends from Bombay have taken the responsibility for the simple feast for about 5,000 guests of the couples. The other expenses like pendol – decoration - music – priests – rituals - material for religious ceremonies etc. are going to be managed locally, by the families of the couples. 

Group of NGOs at Dharampur have jointly organized Samuh Lagna [mass marriages]On 11th March, fifty couples will get married at Khadki. This work will be managed by Sujata. 50 more marriages are to follow shortly. 

Marriage in the tribal community has a distinct meaning.  The function can cost between RS 1,000 to 10,000. The per person lunch cost is estimated at RS 10. But most people don't have this finance. Hence, once the couple is identified, they start living together. They keep hoping that when they will have funds, they will conduct the marriage ceremony. If they die without the ceremony, they can't go to heaven [they believe]. The burden is carried for the life time. At times, it so happens that the father & son get married in the same function, on the same day. With a view to help the poor tribals enjoy the life without guilt feelings, Samuh Lagna is planned.

 

VISITS & MISCELLANEOUS

 

[1] Our old friend and one - time colleague [now settled in London] visited Dharampur with his family. We started our public life with Vidyarthi Mandal in Valod, a little over 6 decades ago. He is regularly following 'Dharampur Development March'. He visited Dharampur for the first time and was rather thrilled. Historically, we are the product of Vedchhi Ashram – the parents of VPSS. VPSS is the parents of Dharampur Project. I am now the president of Vedchhi Ashram. This is the linkage and heritage.

 

[2] A representative from one global trust [Bombay - based] with Bombay team visited Dharampur for one day. He was happy with Vaghval School that he visited. The team as well visited other development programs around the school. The Trust has promised support. 

 

[3] 40 Primary teacher women trainees from government schools stayed in two of our schools for 2 weeks, for gaining experience and to study ground reality of the villages.

 

[4] During our three days Bombay visit we contacted 7 of our supporters individually. They earlier visited Dharampur. 

 

[5] Koki joined a lady pediatric doctor from US [Indian], along with an author supporter.  She informed us that she has left her practice as a doctor in US and aspires to work in the villages, [visiting India periodically] on preventive side. This was an exploratory trip.

[6] With the initiative of a well – wisher from Bombay 4,000 mango plants will be distributed at half the cost, in the next monsoon. Together with Tuff contribution, we would touch the figure of 10,000 plants [a record] totaling 75,000 plants in last 15 years.                    

 

[7] Along with an active Bombay supporter Koki visited one untouched interior forest village. They discussed with local leaders the possibilities to start a Mini Ashram [School] from next June. 

              

[8] We have been offered support for generating employment on family level and repairs of simple houses of deserving poor communities. Though a difficult proposition, we are thinking over it, how to go ahead with this individualistic program.