Shastri School Asha for EducationShastri阿莎教育学校.pptVIP

A VISIT TO SHASTRI SCHOOL, BANGALORE By: Sruthi Ramakrishnan and Swathi Ramakrishnan August 2010 Project Stewards, Swathi and Sruthi, in front of the school building This is our sixth visit to Shastri School. We have enjoyed seeing the school develop through the years since we first got involved in the project in 2001. We have seen the students learn, grow, and graduate, moving on to different opportunities within the local community with new found knowledge and independence. The school currently has 104 students, a majority of whom are orphans or come from families with little to no income and are in need of support. Through the “Support A Child” Program, each of the sponsors is matched with a child to help cover the child’s school, boarding, and educational expenses. Meeting Mr. Chandreshekar , the school principal, and Ms. Jayamana S., one of the 15 teachers, during our visit to the school. During our visit, we were greeted by many new faces at the school. We noticed that a majority of the children have either left or graduated from Shastri School and have been placed in different training programs or work at local businesses. On the left, Swathi is standing with a new student, Naveen, who is studying in the sixth grade. Naveen is anxious to finish class today because after school he plans to go to the local playground where his friends have organized a cricket match. Swathi is spending some time with the students on the terrace before they begin their classes. In the background, you can see the children’s sleeping blankets and mattresses rolled up and stored away in preparation for the annual school day. After taking all the children’s photos we gave them a few pieces of candy. They happily accepted the treats, smiling and trying to say the words “Thank you.” Many of the students have learned the western form of greeting someone. On the right is a photo of Hema reaching to shake Sruthi’s hand and thanking her for the chocolate treats. The