Bangalore Vijayanagar (RBV) has been undertaking various community related projects since its inception 38 years ago.They have been implemented both in rural and urban areas, most of the projects have been self funded by RBV with a Global Grand rural school drinking water project being an exception.
In the year 2022 PIXEL Softek expressed their interest to fund a CSR project to RBV and gave a mandate to implement in the area of Rural School upliftment. Thus began the journey of the mega CSR project. A committee under the chairmanship of PP Rtn. Hemant Bekal and headed by then Community Service Director Rtn. Shashi Mouli embarked on a mission to identify beneficiary schools.
It was a long journey to identify the needs of the schools which also matched the specification indicated by the Rotary Foundation when it comes to matching the needs of the schools. Foundation is particular about not only creating facilities but also making sure that they are well maintained. Being not a familiar terrain, multiple trips were undertaken in the Mandya district to nearly 2 dozen schools before 6 were identified as they were really in need of help and did not have the resource or access to funds to take care of the needs. Care was taken to observe and understand needs of the schools which were not uniform in nature and accordingly each improvement whether it is infrastructure, study aids or furniture were specifically identified. Subsequently quotes were taken, being in remote rural areas civil work was an issue as labour was not easy to end. After obtaining approval from the board the Project really got going under the name ” Namma Hemmeya Shaale” – Shaala Abhivruddhi Abhiyana. CSR project at Sathnur Government High school, Mandya District got off to a good start with a guddali pooja on 13th April 2022. Then a visit to all other site locations Kallahalli, Channappana doddi and Hosa Budanur was also undertaken. Work began in earnest and in quick pace before the second wave of Covid slowed the pace followed by unusually heavy rains which prevented early conclusion as well as resulted in the cost escalation.
However, since the survey and work specifications were done properly the work got completed and inauguration happened on 18th June 2022 in the presence of large number of members of RBV, Staff, children and local legislator. It was a joy to behold seeing the happiness in the face of young children, especially girls at the sight of sparkling and modern toilet blocks, drinking water filters, benches, play areas, painting, and repair work done at the premises of schools. In the next phase the balance schools in Channappana Doddi the works such as New Class room Construction has been completed and children have started using it. During the review period it has been reported that parents of children extremely happy that the school where their children are studying has modern amenities such as toilet blocks, access to drinking water, play area and desks to sit etc., Overall it has been a very gratifying experience to contribute to society thanks to benevolent CSR partner and extremely hard working Rotarians in the club. In same vein next phase is on the anvil.
Please click here to read the Rotary India Newsletter (April – June 2023) for more details
