Visit to the School
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We are seeking loving people who are interested in donating money to support disadvantaged children in this very poor region of the world.
 
 
In March of 2006 a few friends went to Bodhagaya, India to visit the Holy site where the tree that the Buddha was enlightened under remains. This is probably the most sacred site in the Buddhist religion and thousands of pilgrims visit this tree every year.

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It was here we met Sanjeev Kumar in a little tailor shop which he owns in Bodhagaya. After befriending Sanjeev, and having some shirts made, we discovered he was single handedly supporting his village school with the meager income he was making at his tailor shop. He was also the principal of this school and was able to hire 2 teachers for 80 children per month.

The next day we were invited to visit Sanjeev’s school in his little village about 5 miles outside Bodhagaya in an agricultural community. Sanjeev and his father, the village elder, started this school to give the children an educational opportunity rather then working as slaves for the wealthy land owners.

Bihar State is the poorest state in India and there is little opportunity for the local villagers to educate themselves. After a deep discussion we decided to take this school on and raise funds to hire more teachers.

Up to this point we were able to raise $500 per month through donations and fund raising activities. Our money went to repair the school and replace the well pump. Some money went to repairing the leaky roof in the dilapidated school building. The school building consists of 5 small rooms with no doors or windows. With this money we were also able to hire a total of 6 teachers. We now have 125 children in school (up from 80). The grades are form 1st through 8th.

The educational fund supports the primary school education of 120 children some of whom have been orphaned or are handicapped. The school is situated in a village outside the Buddhist Mecca of Bodhgaya. Located in Bihar the poorest state in India the Holy site contains the tree the Buddha was enlightened under.

The purpose of the fund is to empower these children to raise above the limited opportunity of working in the fields for the wealthy land owners. The fund is working toward maintaining and expanding the educational opportunities of the children.

The plan is to build a secondary school and also a Hotel/ Internet Café and Restaurant in Bodhgaya. This would provide revenues for the school going forward but also a real world training ground for skills in the services and computer Industry. Also it would provide the women of the village with the opportunity to empower themselves by running an establishment of their own and this would be a first in India as women tend to work either in the home or in the fields.

We would greatly appreciate any financial support you can provide, either as a single or recurring donation, knowing that all money recieved goes to the school not administrators, and that it will make a difference today and tomorrow in the lives of these children.
Goals and Monies needed to expand
Build a new 12 room school building. 20,000 euros or $25,000 dollars.
Build outdoor bathrooms with septic system. 6,000 euros or $7,500 dollars.
Increase enrollment to 250 children from 125.
This is the need assessment for the village.
And add grade 9th to 12th onto the present
1 to 8th for the children as they get older.

(Wages for the teachers) 		1200 euros or $1500 dollars per month.
Provide breakfast and lunch each school day. 250 euros or $315 dollars per month.
Provide school learning materials. 200 euros or $250 per month.
Building Funds needed, new school and bathrooms 26000 euros or $32,500 dollars.
Total operating expenses 1650 euros or $2062.50 dollars
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