The Village Project 2018-19

The Village Project is a project that is very close to our school's heart. Our school has adopted two 'aadivaasi' villages - Has sachipatti, near Matheran, and Kumbharghar, near Nagothane - and is actively looking for a third.

The Village Project has three main pillars: Infrastructure, Education and Empowerment. This year, we primarily worked in Kumbharghar, and have successfully built a school, house, several huts and washrooms. With reference to empowerment, we have made serious progress this year! We taught the villagers stitching and have facilitated the process of bag-stitching for 500 bags for sale (and they're all sold out!). We considered this idea feasible due to the recent ban of polythene bags in Maharashtra. Education-wise, we are developing a curriculum to support the children there that correlates directly with their existing school curriculum. During the CAS Fête, we had a stall where we sold jewelry and conducted two games—7Up7Down and Tyre Football – raising money for the project. Our stall was a smashing success! The proceeds will go towards buying the villagers sewing machines and a new brick making machine.

The village trip is the perfect amalgamation of fun and service, and we're sad that we have now reached our final trips. The project has truly had an indelible impact on our lives and we hope to continue to inspire and be inspired by the rich culture and smiles the village has to offer.

 

- Aanya Shahani