Programs
Education
The Unicorn School
In January 2018, we found an empty building in the village of Shivrajpur, about 10 km south of Bodhgaya on the Falgu River. We paid $1000 US for rental for 1 year. We opened the school in March 2019. We hired 2 local teachers, a cleaning person (many of the students had never used an indoor washroom with a water tap). Between 30 and 60 children attended the school.We used donated money from our friends in Spain and built the desks, painted the walls, added the wall displays, and installed carpets on the cold floor. We have purchased an electronic charging station to assist with the frequent power outages. Papers, chalkboards and chalk tablets for the children. Sometimes when we have enough money we hire a local mother to cook dal and rice for the kids of the school and the members of the village.
- Started the school project in 2017
- Rented building and converted through renovation to a 3-classroom schoolhouse (January 2018)
- Built desks, renovated classrooms, purchased necessary school supplies for students and teachers
- Purchased electric generator system to run electricity (lights and fans)
- School opened to 50-60 students ages 4-8 years
- All students are Dalit from the small village of Shivrajpur
- Hired 2 teachers with 1 assistant and 1 cleaning person (paid staff)
- Some meals provided for the children
Medical Services
- We have local physicians and Ayurvedic practitioners who donate their time, regularly, by offering checkups and medications when appropriate to the children, their parents and the seniors of the village.
- We supply all Covid-19 masks and hand sanitizer.
Dental Services
- We have a local dentist who volunteers regularly to conduct dental checkups of the children. He will also provide checkups for the parents and seniors when required.
- The school provides the children toothpaste and toothbrushes and are instructed the proper use.
- The teachers also teach the children proper personal hygiene which most have never had.
Clothing
- Many of the children wear rags and hand me downs. Nothing particular fits right but they are grateful when we can give them new clothing and jackets for the winter.
- We purchased over 50 pairs of rubber footwear that they all were so proud of receiving.
- Several times per year the school will provide clothing for the students. These include warm jackets, sweaters, footwear, etc.
Soup Kitchen
- We have started a small soup kitchen operating in the village of Bodhgaya.
- It is estimated that we have served over 1000 meals in the area, and have purchased some kitchen equipment.
Blankets for Bodhgaya
- Over the past 2 years we have handed out approximately 2,000 heavy wool blankets to the villagers in hopes of keeping them warm during the winter months. The temperatures will drop to 5-8 C during the winter nights. The cold coupled with the undernourishment leads to disease and death.
- For only CAD3.00, someone can be kept warm all winter long.
Water Water Water
- Over the past 3 years we have supplied 3 deep well water pumps in 3 villages.
- This has helped the living quality of these villages substantially. No longer do women need to walk to the river for water.
Trees & Environment
- Every spring we have tree planting classes and have the students learn how important trees and the environment are.
- We purchase small saplings and plant them responsibly.
Senior Care
- There is a definite need in the care of seniors.
- We hope to be able to expand our services to reach this most vulnerable sector.
Future Plans
- Our lease is ending within the next year. We’re seriously looking at purchasing or entering into a long-term lease for a property to start building a school that would encompass our mid to long-term plans.
- Plan to encompass a seniors care/drop in facility where basic treatment can be provided.
- Plan on a small medical facility.
- Plan on a project that we can purify the unsuitable to drink groundwater.
- Continue and enhance the services we already provide.