When we began working in the Azamgarh "Creative Cluster" villages, the residents were unanimous in declaring that the need for a good primary school was their priority. Schools in rural areas are often of poor quality, with inadequate facilities and absence of well- trained teaching. It was clear to us that without good education, the new generation would have little chance of understanding and appreciating their unique heritage, much less of acquiring the tools necessary for securing a comfortable and productive life.

ITRHD thus decided to establish a primary school in the musicians village of Hariharpur as a pilot project, demonstrating the way in which education can be inextricably linked with preservation and enhancement of a unique living heritage. The basic objective was to establish a primary school which would provide good quality and value-based education free of cost to the children from all communities of Hariharpur village and its neighbouring villages.

The Chacha Nehru Primary School began operating in a rented building in February 2013, with 70 children at nursery level. Meanwhile, in collaboration with ITRHD, a British Council program sent a team of young international architects to live in the village for three months, during which they worked with local residents to design and construct the permanent school building on a plot of land leased by the village community. The school moved into the new building in 2014. Today the school is providing education to over 100 children in 4 classes, with equal girl and boy students.

There were a number of challenges, the first of which was securing faculty. To meet this need creatively, we recruited young educated women from the village, mostly daughters-in- law to ensure continuity. They underwent intensive training, and continue to upgrade their skills through on-going specialized programs.

We were firm from the beginning that the school would be open to children from all castes, communities and economic classes. Initial resistance to this has now disappeared, and all students eat, play, and learn together. We also focused on recruiting as many girls as possible; today they are more than half of the student body.

The teaching curriculum is designed by a consultant with many years experience in rural education, with the active involvement of the local teachers. It is planned to give a solid foundation, but also to develop individual personalities, build self-confidence and nurture creativity.

In addition to the education of the students. The school project is having several other more subtle, but important, developments. The two that we feel are most crucial are:

• Total social integration within the school is helping to soften the former divisions of the village. As these children grow and enter adulthood, the inclusiveness of their school days will lead to a better and more cohesive community.
• The employment of young village women as faculty has led to their greater empowerment both within the village and within their families.

The school is totally free. ITRHD takes care of teachers salaries, books, uniforms, supplies, medical care and check-ups, and hot mid-day meals. There are no fees or charges to the students. This is made possible by the generous annual donations of our members.

We would request you to help in this effort. Just Rs. 3,000 takes care of the education of one child for the year. Donations are tax deductible as per Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, and will also be gratefully acknowledged in our annual report. Please Click Here to become part of this truly important effort.