Ananda Marga Girls' High School Project Description

1. Detailed description of the project and its aims:
   The school was built to provide free education to impoverished, rural girls who would otherwise have no chance to go to school. There are currently 115 students attending, between the ages of 7-16 years old. Some students are orphans who live in a nearby hostel. Three girls stay with Didi Vratiisha at the school. The students study a variety of subjects, including English, Bengali, Sanskrit, History, Math, Geography, Life Sciences, Physical Science, Art, P.E., and Music.
2. How and when did the project start?
   The school started in 1995, with Didi holding class for a few orphan girls in the area. There was a desperate need for a girls' school in the area. Parents in India often don't want their daughters to be educated because it increases the cost of their dowry at the time of marriage. Many girls, therefore, stay at home and look after their younger siblings. Illiteracy is high in rural areas of India. Our Girls' High School provides a unique opportunity for girls to learn and explore their potential.
3. Is your project a faith-based organization?
   The school is run by four Didis, who are yogic nuns with the Ananda Marga Foundation, a non-political, non-governmental organization founded in India. The Didis are women who act as social workers, becoming teachers, principals, doctors, and mothers to orphans in impoverished communities around India, and the globe.
4. Have you ever had foreign volunteers work at your project?
   We had a Canadian woman visit us for a short time.
5. From what sources have you received the bulk of your funding?
   The Ananda Marga Foundation has provided some funding, but we seek further private donations to help provide us with electricity and more well supplies for fresh water. We have a small library, but more English books are needed, and more musical instruments would be great.
6. Are you currently part of a volunteer program?
   No, but we can accept female volunteers at anytime.
7. How many volunteers would you like and can handle at the same time?
   1-2 females.
8. What time of year (or year round) would you like volunteers?
   Oct. - March is the best time of year to come.
9. How long would you like volunteers to stay?
   At least 1 week minimum is preferable. They can stay up to 3 months or more.
10. Depending on the mission of the project and its financial resources we often ask our volunteers to fundraise. In an effort to encourage volunteers to stay for an extended period of time, we generally ask that donation amounts are decreased for extended periods of staying. Go M.A.D. aims to match volunteers' many talents and skills with projects in need. We hope you will recognize these skills volunteers have to offer, rather than just their money (although we realize that the money is also vital to the project!)
    In your country's currency is fine:
    • Donation amount for 1 week? As you like.
    • Donation amount for 2 weeks?
    • Donation amount for 1 month?
    • Donation amount for 3 months?
    • Donation amount for 6 months?
    • Donation amount for 1 year or more?
11. Would you accept a volunteer who can't donate?
    Yes.
12. What will you use the donations for?
    If the volunteer(s) can donate, the money will be used first to help the students with their needs, ie. new textbooks, notebooks, school material, etc. The volunteer can choose where their donation should go. Additional funding can go towards new instruments, new books for the library, repairs for the school, and help with electricity and well-water costs. A large financial contribution will go towards building a Residential Place next to the school, which will allow more students to attend.
13. Would you provide the volunteer with simple food and accommodation? Can you recommend places to stay and eat?
    The volunteer(s) can stay at the school with us. We will provide a bed, and 3 vege meals a day.
14. Who can volunteer?
    Women, 18 years or older.
15. How far in advance will a volunteer have to contact you before they can come and volunteer at your project?
    A month before is preferable.
16. Is there a language requirement? What language(s) is/are primarily used at your project?
    No, although English is helpful.
17. SPONSORING A STUDENT:
    List of orphan girls studying at Ananda Marga Girls' High School:
    • Dijoti Kev, 13, Class VIII. She's a good dancer and singer. She's an orphan.
    • Sandipa Kev, 14, Class VIII. She wants to be a good teacher when she grows up. Her sister is Dijoti.
    • Papiya Sarka, 20, studying for her Bachelor of Arts. She wants to be a good social worker. She is an orphan.
    • Kakali Darkarmakar, 19, Class XI (Arts) She wants to stand on her own two feet and support her poor family.
    • Shibani Kisku, 12, Class XII. Her parents don't have the capacity to educate her. She wants to have a family when she grows up.
    • Jagati Kisku, 14, Class VII. She comes from a very poor family, her sister is Shibani. She wants to be a good and educated person when she grows up.

    If you would like to sponsor a student, please write to Didi Vratiisha Acarya at the mailing address above. She will then send you more information on the girl you have chosen, a photo, and her bank account information.

18. Is there anyone else, former volunteers, that we can contact (by email) as a reference for your project?
    Lindsay Marsh (F), Canada, tosujet@yahoo.ca
19. Additional comments?
    *Go M.A.D.'s Note: Please be aware that it is very difficult for Didi Vratiisha to access her email, as the nearest internet cafe is 4 hours away. If you are thinking of volunteering at the Girls' High School, please send them a letter by mail first and await a reply. Alternatively, try calling them. They really appreciate visitors, so please don't give up if you don't hear back from them quickly. Your patience will be rewarded!