Support a child in rural access holistic education

A 'school' is probably one of the biggest institutions of 'hope' in our country, more so in rural areas. With a 'hope' of better quality of life than their own, parents put their every ounce of 'hope' into 'school'. It is this overwhelming 'hope' that we mould and nurture in our work with 4 rural schools in Cuddalore. 

Who are we?

ASSEFA (Association of Sarva Seva Farms) was set up in 1980 to put to good use the lands collected during the Bhoodan movement led by Acharya Vinobha Bhave. ASSEFA started more than 100 schools in rural Tamil Nadu. In 2005, 4 schools were started in the tsunami - affected rural and coastal Cuddalore. These schools were set up to create a supportive environment to nurture children, disadvantaged by systemic, man-made and natural oppression.

Kanavu was started in 2017, with an aim to nurture these ASSEFA schools and communities as spaces that support families and children to realize their dreams, irrespective of circumstance. 

What is the education you will help create in our schools?

For the 1200+ students we serve through 4 affordable private schools along the coast of Cuddalore, we envision a path where children receive an education that is meaningful, sustainable and affordable. Our work envisions making 'school' an enriching and explorative space for our students. Towards this goal of ours, we work very closely and along with our teachers, school leaders, parents and students.

What does Holistic education look like?

• Large, spacious classrooms and campus
• Rigorous and Engaging Academic Learning Experience - Conceptual Mathematics, Whole-language approach for Tamil, Jolly Phonics and theme based literacy curriculum, Project based science & social science lessons
• 20 hours of co-curricular instruction - Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Yoga, Physical Education, Tailoring, Embroidery, Digital Literacy, Library
• Regular opportunities for students to participate in festivals and celebrations across schools in the cluster.

Picture: A snapshot of all of activities in education

Why are we seeking funds?

Spread across 100+ villages, the families of children who shall avail scholarships mostly earn through Fishing, Farming and MNREGA work. Hence, most of the families do not have regular income for over six months of the year. This program ensures that children get access to holistic education irrespective of their family's financial difficulties. Hence, these 250 scholarships will be given to families who commit to the learning continuity of their children.

An average per child cost of 15,000 INR per annum has been subsidized to an average 12,500 INR for all our students. Even this amount remains a huge challenge for the parents to put together. Hence we have decided to provide fee scholarships (based on need) for about 20% of our students. It is towards these scholarships that we are reaching out to individuals, families, institutions to support these students have a fruitful academic year.  

Process for Seva Scholarship -

How can you support learning continuity?

1.DONATE INR 15,000 (an average 12,500 for a child's education and the rest towards enriching learning spaces) to provide a scholarship to a student, for the academic year 2024-25 [Give.do platform provides the option of signing up for a regular payment option. You could sign up for that incase you want to donate this amount in instalments.]

2. CONNECT us to your friends and family who you think will be interested in supporting the education of a child from rural India.