Independence Day: New Compound Wall Opened

The 15th of August is celebrated as Independence Day all over India. School Children throughout the Country celebrate with Flag Hoisting, Singing, Sports and Cultural Programs. For PANCHYAT UNION SCHOOL, one of the small Government Schools where JRDT sponsors extra evening lessons ( Night Schools ) the celebrations were extra special. Over the past months we have been planning and getting permits to build a Compound Wall to enclose the playground which was open to the passing road, and especially dangerous as the school is situated right near a bend! This was requested of us by the Teachers, Headmaster, and Children, and met with the approval of the Village Headman and District Education Authorities. It gives the Children and Teachers more privacy while at work or play and everybody seems to be delighted with it.

The wall is built of large local stone on a good foundation and we hope it will last many years.

For a long time we did not know how we could finance the project, but generously BANYAN BRANCH and their friends at THE FARMER'S ARMS, UK, came to our aid and contributed half of the material and labor costs. Thank you. That way we were able to go forward. We are also indebted to Mr. Jeyaraj of RIDE for honoring us by attending and presiding over the opening ceremony.

Our JRDT Director, Raj, assisted at times by his Father and Brother David, put an enormous amount of effort into the project. Permits had to be obtained, designs discussed and agreed, materials ordered, work over seen... Always more involved in these projects than is at first imagined. The end result looks really good. Thanks to all who encouraged us in this and helped to make it possible.


The beautiful New Gates, locally made. I've got to admit I really like them, even if they did stretch the budget a bit! If its worth doing, its worth doing well? And I love the colorful decorations on the new white wall.
Children inside their Schoolroom. Now with the new wall in place they will be safe outside in the newly contained playground also. The school area is now better defined with a ' sense of place'. We hope moral has been much boosted for Teachers and Children alike.
The Moment of Truth: Jeyaraj of RIDE, a large NGO, who often gives us much valuable advice, honored us by visiting our Project and cutting the tape.
Hoisting the flag for Independence Day. When it reaches the top it will open and colored paper petals will flutter down on all around. A beautiful sight enjoyed by all.
Director of JRDT, Raj, in check shirt, worked hard to bring this project to fruition. Do we detect an expression of happy relief?! Centre is Jeyaraj, Director of RIDE, and next to him is Raj's Father, retired Headmaster of another nearby school, who helped to supervise the project.
Happy children, and a wall built to last!
Inside the compound: Further ceremonies and celebration

End of a happy day. Time to go home!