Friends Of Tribals Society

Ekal Vidyalayas, integral to FTS's comprehensive education approach, play a vital role in providing primary education to children in remote tribal villages. Operating six days a week for three hours, these schools, with an average of 30 students, focus on fundamental skills like reading, writing, arithmetic, science, social studies, physical activities, arts, and more, aiming for holistic student development. The Gram Samitis, comprising village residents, oversees and supports these educational endeavours. Additionally, FTS's affiliate, Arogya Foundation of India, complements these efforts by promoting healthcare awareness through Ekal Vidyalayas, conducting health camps in cluster centres, providing medical services, distributing free medicines, and guiding women and children in marginalized communities towards healthier living.

Vanyatra, meaning 'Journey to Forest', embodies a modern quest for enlightenment while connecting with rural and tribal communities. Initiated by the organisation, it involves direct visits to Ekal Schools and villages, offering firsthand experiences of FTS activities. Participants engage with the community, including students, teachers, and locals, gaining insights into the functioning of Ekal Vidyalayas. These trips, whether physical or virtual, enable visitors to observe school operations, interact with students and teachers, and immerse themselves in rural life. It fosters cultural exchanges and often involves school and college students, potential donors, and even corporate representatives. Notably, visits by individuals like Microsoft's General Manager underscore the transformative impact of FTS initiatives on rural and tribal children, providing tangible evidence of the organisation's positive influence.

Development Education, known as Gramothan in Ekal's five-fold approach, emerges post-establishment of One Teacher Schools (OTS) in villages. Gramothan focuses on linking village communities with sustainable economic programmes, employing local resources. It includes organic farming with vermicompost or cow dung, cultivating commercial crops, rainwater harvesting, utilizing cow urine as a pesticide, and efficient packing. Benefits encompass reduced production costs, improved land fertility, groundwater recharge, increased employment, reduced debt, raised incomes, and poverty alleviation. Ekal Abhiyan sets up Gramothan Resource Centres (GRCs) in each state, aiming for community self-reliance. GRCs promote eco-friendly practices, offer skill development for unemployed or underemployed individuals, encourage local entrepreneurship, provide vocational courses, and foster PoshanVatika for farming enhancement and vermicompost adoption among farmers.

As part of its comprehensive five-fold education system, FTS initiates programmes to educate illiterate and economically disadvantaged individuals about Government welfare schemes, aiming to safeguard them from deprivation and ensure access to scheme benefits. These initiatives also focus on familiarizing people with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, enabling them to address concerns and seek information if needed. Field workers, known as Sevabratis, actively raise awareness about these schemes and assist beneficiaries in navigating the RTI application process. Additionally, awareness drives involve children from OTS in planting saplings, contributing to making villages more environmentally sustainable by fostering a 'Green' transformation.

FTS, through its affiliate Shree Hari Satsang, prioritizes Ethics & Value Education, known as 'SanskarShiksha,' focusing on Indian culture, heritage, and values. These educational initiative steers village communities towards a value-centred education intertwined with religious elements. Sanskar Kendras, established by FTS, facilitate various religious practices while aiming to deter people from harmful habits like alcoholism. These centres serve as hubs for promoting ethical values and fostering a cultural and spiritual environment within the community.