Dr. Sriram is a department head at a University lab school in
India. She has ties to an Ashram that has a preschool program, run similarly to
an orphanage. The ashram is located in Goraj, a village near the town of
Waghodia. It was originally set up by a visiting professor from Iowa.
My aunt, who is an early childhood professor at Purdue University,
put me in contact with Dr. Sriram. Over the past several years, my aunt has
taken students to India several times to expand international perspectives
regarding young children and families. Through reaching out to Dr. Sriram and
conversations with my aunt, I have learned that the Ashram was started “only to
serve the needy and deprived of Goraj.”
The Ashram is described as a “clean, serene and tranquil place where love for humanity abundantly bubbles through all corners, exploiting natural resources in the most sustainable manner using cutting edge technologies in renewable energy even though tucked in a remote tribal belt. This has made the ashram a self-reliant homogeneous unit.”
My aunt was able to
visit the Ashram along with Dr. Sriram, and they agree that only a visit to the
Ashram can describe what it is really like.
The Ashram’s mission is:
"To serve the deficient and needy sections of the society, without regards to cast, creed, religion or financial status of the recipient, employing the best available appropriate technologies and in complete harmony with the nature."
"To serve the deficient and needy sections of the society, without regards to cast, creed, religion or financial status of the recipient, employing the best available appropriate technologies and in complete harmony with the nature."
Although
providing high-quality early childhood educational opportunities to young
children living in poverty in important, I have learned this week that additional
services must be initiated to provide a more holistic approach. In addition to providing early childhood
education, the Ashram focuses on providing health care and social services,
alternative energy, and farming opportunities to locals. Work at the Ashram is
based on the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi, focusing attention on equality and
social justice.
I find the mission of this school to serve without regards to cast so admirable especially in a country where I understand there are still traces of the cast system. I am looking forward to hearing more about the effectivness of this school and how they are making a difference!
ReplyDeleteAwesome connection!! I agree with you about what you have learned this week. There isn't a quick solution to ending povety. Poverty is either generational or situational. Either way, to over come it, some families may need find the root cause such as unresolved psychological issues, counseling, or academic advising. There isn't one answer that exist to solve an onging world issue.
ReplyDeleteParker, it must be awesome to have an aunt that has foreign connections. I was surprised to hear that orphanages still exist. I hardly ever hear about real orphanages but foster homes or group home that provide care for the less fortunate children. Well I am excited to know that there are people who have a genuine love for children and is willing to go the extra mile or to another country to make the difference in a child's life. Wow!! Grate post!
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