Shankar Rural Development Foundation

SRDF encourages any young girl or boy who wants to undertake higher education after completing High School (Grade 10). On August 15th, 2006 Dr. S. Chamala, at a function held at ZP Government High School, announced that SRDF would encourage merit students from three high schools (ZP Government High school, Sri Vani Vidyalaya in Chilver and ZP High School Dannur).

In order to encourage girl students, merit is ranked among the female students only and these students may come from any surrounding villages to Chilver and Dannur. A total of 30 new merit scholarships were announced. Another 15 new scholarships are given to boys and girls from Chilver on the basis of equity.

Twenty eight (28) previous scholars who successfully passed the examinations were also awarded scholarships to complete their higher studies. However, four girls from Chilver village did not undertake higher education due to their parents’ decision to have them get married. It is interesting to note that two young girls wanted to continue with their studies after their marriage due to their husbands and in-laws encouraging them to complete education.

In all 79 scholarships are awarded to young girls and boys in 2007-08. It’s gratifying to note that among these are two MBA scholars (Ch. Sandeep and Mr. Reddy) and an Engineering scholar (Ch. Sangameshwar) from Chilver. Mr. Sangameshwar is from a Backward Class and his brother is also a SDRF scholar.

As the number of scholarships increased this year, SRDF has decided to give only two scholarships to one family at any time. Consequently, we have had to reject one scholar this year, though the girl is continuing her education. The distribution of scholars is presented below:  

It is evident that the majority of SRDF scholars are still boys. However, it is gratifying to note that 33.3% are young women are pursuing graduation. The SRDF scholarship program is reaching more than 10 surrounding villages to Chilver and Dannur in two Mandals.  

Tags: UNCATEGORY by admin
No Comments »

When Dr. and Mrs. Chamala met youth in the village, some drop out students expressed a desire to go back to education by sitting for the Open University Exam. When asked why they did not pursue this education, they said that they could not afford the educational costs and that drought conditions further limited their dream of higher education. SRDF decided to cover the exam fee for these students. If they passed this Exam and were granted admission into the Open University their dream of higher education could be realized. SRDF also provided the Community Learning Centre for their studies and use as meeting place.  A modest library was also provided in the centre.  From this initial group, thirteen youth decided to sit for the exam, and their exam fees were covered by SRDF.

The List of drop -out youth who pursued their higher education:
1.    Mr. N. Dhanraj completed a B. A. Degree 2008
2.    M. Bapu Reddy is dong a second year B.A.
3.    Ch. Raghuveer is doing final year B. Com and looking after his family businesses, which include a shop and agriculture. He would like to complete the Degree.
4.    M. Srinivas Reddy completed his first year and is working as Gopala Mithra -a private veterinarian.
5.    Ch. Narsmlu- completed his regular college and is currently working in Hyderabad. He would like to complete his B. Com to gain a better position in the teaching profession.
6.    Patlolla Madhusudhan Reddy completed his first year but died in 2006 after a period of illness.
7.    Begari Saibabu worked at the Milk center and now lives in Chilver and works part- time.
8.    P. Narsa reddy completed his first year and now continues agriculture in Chilver.
9.    Chintakayala Narsimlu no details
10.     Jambige Chendrappa completed his first year and has now purchased harvesting machine and busy with this work.
11.    D. Arvind Goud- completed his first year and ran local toddy (kallu) shop and now married.
12.    Bingi Sangameshwar completed his first yearB. A. and is now working as a scooter mechanic in Alladurg.
13.    Peddapuram Mohan Reddy completed his first year B. A. He now owns an auto and runs it for taxi purpose. He is not married.

Comments: Encouraging drop out youth is a good idea. It is gratifying to note one has already graduated and is now completing a Diploma in Computer applications. He would like to continue to Teachers training. A couple of youth will hopefully complete their degrees soon. Their degrees can be completed within 5-6 years of their enrolment. It is clear, however, the demands on youth to earn money makes it hard to study continuously.  An evaluation of this program is being conducted by one of our visiting scholars, Nadia Zeaiter from the University of Queensland in Australia.

Tags: UNCATEGORY by admin
No Comments »