Site Visit Report – 2010
Site visited by Biju Barboruah (volunteer from Asha Assam)
Written by Anita Shah (volunteer from Asha Stamford)
Biju Barboruah from Asha Assam visited the TEP school on April 10, 2010 for 2 days and on Sept 9, 2010. During these visits she spoke with some of the parents using Rose and the other teachers as interpreters. The parents seem satisfied with the school. She also reviewed the attendance register. The attendance in the school is quite good with most students coming to school regularly. Some of the older children missed some days during the monsoon months of June/July/August. These children help their parents in the fields during these months. She also showed up in classes unannounced to see how the student-teacher interactions were. She was satisfied with the teaching techniques of these teachers given their qualifications. However, she indicated that additional teachers training may help them in further improving their technique. She indicated that she would look into training programs in Manipur and would let us know the budget for so we can plan for the funding.
She also suggested considering an increase in teachers salary as the cost of living is quite high in that area and basic things cost more than in Assam.
Currently Rose is managing the school and receives Rs 4000/month as compensation. In discussions with Biju, we both felt that one of the teachers at the school should be developed to oversee the school in Roses’ absence.
She indicated that in Assam they were able to get some books etc for younger children through the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan scheme but she was not sure if that was available in Manipur. She indicated that during her next visit in April-May, she will try to look into this. She also suggested that we follow-up directly with Rose and ask her to look into this in Imphal. If some books etc are obtained through this scheme, we could save some expenses.
Last year Biju nominated Rose for an award given by Tamulpur Anchlik Gramdan Sangh which is supported by National Foundation of India. Rose received a monetary award and certificate in recognition of her work in the school which is in a very problematic area. In November 2010, a representative of National foundation of India came to Assam to talk to some of the recipients of this award in order to evaluate how they were doing with their projects and to see what progress has been made. They will use this information to determine which projects they may be able to provide some support from their foundation.
There were repairs done in the school to maintain the buildings. These buildings have walls that are coated with mud and during monsoon season the walls deteriorate and each year they have to be repaired. Some of the bamboos used in these structures also had to be replaced.
Overcrowding is an issue at the school. Last year an additional class room was constructed and this has helped a little in alleviating the overcrowding but the classes are still very packed. In some cases 5 students have to sit on a desk that is meant for 3 students.
Teacher to student ratio is very low. It would help to get more teachers. Overall, the school is doing quite well despite the overcrowding and low number of teachers.
There were originally 3 children with HIV but now there are 7 confirmed with HIV. Some others most likely have HIV (based on their health) but they have not undergone the tests to confirm this. For some time some of the students received medication from an organization called World Vision but that has now stopped and the children are not receiving any medication. Bijus suggested that we consider looking into providing medication to the children. She thinks that it will cost Rs 2000/child/month and the medications could be obtained from Imphal.
Points to consider:
- Teachers training
- Raise for teachers
- Hiring additional teachers
- Expanding class rooms
- Medications for children with HIV
- Looking into getting books through Sarve Shiksha Abhiyan