Wednesday, 21st Nov 2012, marked an auspicious start to the partnership between ASED (Action for the Support of Deprived Children) Geneva, Switzerland, and Deepalaya, India, for further developing the infrastructure at the Deepalaya School, Gusbethi. Called the Infrastructure Development and Vocational Training Project, while ASED will be the Chief Implementing Agency, its entire cost is being borne by Cargill, an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services, which operates in 65 countries around the globe.

The project envisages construction of eight classrooms, one staff room, two blocks of modern toilets, provision of furniture and technical equipment, hiring of trainers for training of specific skills to girls and boys, and installation of a Computer Lab, Smart Classes and a 25 KV generator for alternate power supply at the school. The building, once completed, will comply with the stipulations of the Haryana state government in order for a school to qualify for  recognition by its Education Department.
   
An MoU to this effect was signed on 21st November 2012 by Mr. Ajaib Singh Kochar, ASED’s India Representative, and Mr. T.K. Mathew, Secretary and Chief Executive, Deepalaya, in the presence of an elated Deepalaya Team.

ASED, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, lends support to government and non-government agencies to provide education and skill-development facilities, particularly to the underprivileged and most deserving children, both boys and girls. ASED currently has operations in six countries, of which India is a major beneficiary. ASED has so far implemented ten projects in India, mainly targeted at infrastructure development of educational and community development institutions.

Deepalaya School, Gusbethi, has been operational since 2000. It started with 200 students and boasts of 700 students on its rolls in 2012. The school serves the population of over 18 villages in the rural belt of Mewat district, Haryana. It provides free education to girl students.

The school has been growing in popularity resulting in increased demand for enrollment of more students, but the existing  infrastructure does not permit admission of more children. The new building will address this concern as well as meet the standards of a school building and infrastructure stipulated for recognition by the Haryana state government.

Team Deepalaya extends its sincere gratitude to ASED and Cargill for partnering and creating more opportunities for the education of children, particularly girls, in the rural areas of India.
   
 

This was the motto of the Deepalaya students this week. As the whole world was busy preparing for Diwali, Deepalaya children were busy spreading the “CLEAN DIWALI GREEN DIWALI” messages in their community. 

The students made attractive and informative posters with which they walked around the community. At many place they stopped to educate the children about the ill effects of bursting crackers. The presentation of colorful and attractive slogans allured the people, bringing out great amount of responsibility.
 

Back in the school premises, Rangoli making, class room decoration and card making competitions kept the students busy. They were encouraged by their teacher to use eco friendly color for the competitions. It was very difficult for the teachers to judge the competition as every rangoli was a master piece in itself. The classrooms were beautifully decorated for Diwali party by the students.

Children made beautiful cards for their teachers in order to wish them happy and prosperous Diwali. Sweets and chocolates were distributive to the students on the occasion of Diwali.