A school project in Andhra Pradesh, India

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this project is now fully funded.

Children at school in Andhra Pradesh

Unlike most schools, going to school in the Indian coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh often depends on the weather.

Schools are in such a bad state that when it rains children and teachers get drenched and desks and books are spoiled. In an area prone to cyclones and a rainy season that lasts a period of three to four months, schools are often forced to close and children’s lessons are cancelled.

Plan is taking up the challenge through targeting two schools in the villages of Puritigadda and Appraopet that are most in need. These small, simple huts require safe drinking water, appropriate sanitation, basic furniture and equipment. Due to the lack of resources, teachers don't have the knowledge and equipment they need to make lessons interesting and stimulating for the 50 students that attend each school.

Aims and activities of this project

With your help Plan can improve the quality of the schools in the area, helping parents realise the benefits of their children’s education and improve attendance. Plan aims to:

• Build waterproof structures for all-year round school attendance – learning in safe and healthy classrooms with proper roofs will make a tremendous difference to the lives of these children and will benefit families for generations to come
• Build toilet blocks and ensure a safe supply of drinking water
• Provide basic furniture - writing desks for children, tables and chairs for teachers, as well as playground equipment as play is an important part of learning
• Provide learning resources – supporting dynamic and motivating lessons for teachers helps increase their confidence and improves the quality and attendance of lessons

Community involvement

Plan is working closely with the communities of Puritigadda and Appraopet, as local people's participation to the schools’ reconstruction is essential to the project’s success.

Community meetings are ongoing where the reconstruction plans are discussed in detail before anything is agreed, with everyone’s opinions sought - especially the children’s. Both villages have set up education committees to manage the schools’ construction and both committees have set up a fund to meet the maintenance needs of the schools.