India has experienced significant economic growth in the recent years. However, this progress has failed to improve the living conditions in many remote and isolated areas of the country. Even today, more than 90% of India’s tribal population is illiterate and prey to exploitation and corruption.
The Ekal Vidyalaya foundation (EVF) was launched in mid-1990’s to address this important social issue and seek to provide education to children in the remotest parts of India. Ekal Vidyalaya literally means a ‘single teacher school’. An Ekal Vidyalaya class has between 30 and 40 children in the age group of 5 to 14 years, where children are offered 5 years of schooling and primary health education. The organisation is primarily run by volunteers and administration costs are kept low to a maximum of 10%.
To date, over 25,000 schools have been established throughout India. The mission of EVF is to set up 100,000 ‘Ekal’ schools by 2011. With the help of volunteers, EVF has spread to a number of countries outside India including Australia, USA, UK, Canada, and New Zealand. EVF Australia was formed in 2004 and through support of sponsors from Australia; it has facilitated sponsorship of about 300 schools (education for over 9000 children).
At
Ausindia Holidays, we strongly believe that poverty can be alleviated with sound education; and thus have partnered with EVF in its combat against illiteracy. A part of the booking amount from each tour booked with Ausindia Holidays is donated to EVF Australia. So, every customer of ours is contributing in some way towards the development of the illiterate children in India.
Soon, Ausindia holidays would be launching a volunteer travel programme, so that anyone and everyone can be a contributor to this wonderful programme. This Volunteer travel programme is minimum of 7 days and can be incorporated along with an existing itinerary. Anyone can be part of this programme. For more details please email
info@ausindiaholidays.com.au
For further information please visit
www.ekalindia.org