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Improved education is seen as the long term key to improving the health and economic status of the people of Rajasthan. Frequently many fewer girls attend schools than boys as the girls are needed to help their mothers fetch water, tend the animals and look after the babies. Supporters of Wells for India have provided a number of primary schools where the need is greatest. Emphasis is placed on encouraging a higher proportion of girls to attend these schools.

The level of literacy in this area is practically zero. Most of the villagers use thumb impressions instead of signatures. There is an lack of both formal and informal education. A primary school 5km away was started by the government three years ago under a rural education scheme. Presently 30 - 35 children are enrolled in the school. Despite a comparatively sizeable enrolment, the school does not function efficiently as the teachers are posted from other districts and they are always occupied in their efforts to get themselves transferred to their native places. Only teachers who have a Bachelor of Education degree can teach in schools. However the level of literacy in these areas is so low that it is almost impossible to find a local teacher with the required qualifications.

Wells for India has constructed and continues to support a number new schools in the Thar desert in villages such as Chakhoo, Pabupura, Mithadiya, Miyakor, Rawara & Akhadana. 248 Children attend the schools of which 132 are girls. The attendance in the schools is about 90% .

Case Study: Chakhoo School
Meghwalon ki Dhani is a cluster of hamlets situated in a remote village called Chakhoo. According to the inhabitants of the village, it is many years behind in the field of education, health, awareness, transport etc. Apart from the main Chakhoo village, the village hamlets do not have electricity in their houses. The nearest available health facility is in the form of a government nurse stationed in Banespura village 20 kms away. People of Chakhoo find themselves particularly helpless during a medical emergency.

In view of the social and economic strata of people living in Chakhoo and the number of children being deprived of education the NGO GRAVIS, with the support of Wells for India, opened a school in July 2002. Mr. Indra Singh, a villager, donated 1 acre of land for the new school. There are 85 households situated round the school and 60 children of these households are now studying in the school. Twenty five of the sixty children belong to Scheduled caste and Scheduled tribes who, prior to studying in the school, used to graze animals all day without wearing any proper clothes or slippers. Considerable change has been brought about in the children after they have started regularly attending school. Today all the students look neat and clean in their school uniform. The families consider the school as their own school and are always eager to assist and help in smooth running of the school.

Desert Schools Project

Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti (GRAVIS) Jodphur

TH.GRA.SCH