Local Public Schools Development in Belgaum, India

Dr. Aruna Pawashe, retired lecturer & scientist, Yale University, is organizing this fundraiser.

Purpose and Mission:

The Bahirji & Sudha Pawashe Foundation's (https://pawashefoundation.org) core mission is to provide support for early-stage education to children from underprivileged families. The challenges posed by heavy rains in 2019 and the pandemic in 2020 significantly impacted the primary learning center in the Hindalga, Belgavi region. With a 50% drop in enrollment and a bias towards sending boys to other schools, the situation is particularly disheartening, as over 70% of the school's students are girls lacking proper support for their education.

Cause:

In 1968, Bahirji Gopalrao Pawashe transformed GMMS into a hub of education in Hindalga, Belgavi. Fondly known as "Nana," he passed away on August 28th, 2019, leaving a legacy of over 30 years of service as the head of Hindalga Gram Panchayat, Chairman of the Belgavi Marketing Society, and a member of the Maharasthra Ekikaran Samiti. Under his leadership, Hindalga witnessed socio-economic advancements, including infrastructure improvements and efforts against caste and gender discrimination. His commitment to education, equality, and change inspired us.

Work accomplished:

Towards this vision, we've already provided 10 tablets and audiovisual equipment to Govt. Marathi Model School (GMMS) to support virtual teaching during Covid. Our focus shifted to enhancing STEM education, leading to the creation of a modern 1500 sq ft science and computer laboratory at GMMS.

The building construction cost ($50,000) was funded partially through Gofundme donations and rest from private sources, processed via the Rajalaxmi Children Foundation (RCF) as mentioned below. The laboratory boasts 11 computers funded through contributions from Woodbridge Rotary Club & Bethany Community School (BCS), CT, USA. Although the science laboratory awaits furnishing, our dedication is steadfast.

We extended our efforts to modernize Hindalaga High School by donating 4 computers, providing internet access, and funding a computer teacher's salary.

Our groundbreaking international buddy program, "Be the Change," fosters cross-cultural exchanges and mutual learning through virtual meetings, uplifting education at GMMS and Hindalga High School. (https://www.facebook.com/mhps.hindalga.1/)

Recently retired from Yale University, Dr. Pawashe devotes herself wholeheartedly to the mission. She delivers lectures, conducts science experiments, and empowers students and teachers at GMMS and other Belgaum schools. Her international collaborations in STEM education led to hosting a high school student and her mother, a software engineer from USA, for a transformative 3-week period.

They volunteered at GMMS and RCF-sponsored schools, conducting science experiments and lectures that sparked curiosity for STEM education and careers.

Their contributions were deeply appreciated by the school community, echoing Dr. Pawashe's dedication to education.

Dr. Pawashe has also given lectures and conducted science experiments, motivating and uplifting students at RCF’s Sadhana Mandir and other schools in Belgaum.

She is also a mentor for RCF’s Pratibha Poshak program since its inception. She has been inviting undergraduates and high school students as guests to share their experiences in her weekly mentoring groups, providing cultural and diverse knowledge exposure to Pratibha Poshak's students.

Future work:

We aim to equip the science laboratory at GMMS

and establish an after-school program like RCF’s local program for kannada speaking students at sadhana mandir at Hindalga High School (https://www.rajalakshmifoundation.in/activities/sharada-pratibha-poshan/sadhana-mandir) and online Pratibha Poshak (https://www.rajalakshmifoundation.in/pratibha-poshak). Our program will cater to local Marathi-speaking underprivileged students. Your support will create a profound impact on these deserving students and the future of education in Hindalaga village.

Utilization of Funds:

The funds will facilitate furniture acquisition, provision of scientific equipment, smart screens, tablets, internet connectivity, and books. The Rajalaxmi Children Foundation (https://www.rajalakshmifoundation.in) will oversee fund management, with a plan for GMMS and Hindalaga High School development. GoFundMe funds will be managed by Dr. Pawashe.

About the Organizer:

Dr. Aruna Pawashe is a retired lecturer and scientist, Yale University and a board member of the Rajalaxmi Children Foundation. As the first female alumnus of GMMS, she believes that empowering girls through education is the solution for world’s most pressing problems. She has pledged to help her alma mater and to invest in the next generation of students at the school, to help them build a better future.

Her affiliation as a Vipassana trustee member underscores her dedication to promoting mental well-being and mindfulness. Introducing nonsectarian meditation technique for stress relief in her biochemistry courses at Yale & GMMS has resonated with students and educators alike, enriching the learning environment and nurturing a sense of "Belonging" among children from diverse backgrounds fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose.