[Aksharvani Home Website](http://hcumigrantschool.wordpress.com/);xNLx;;xNLx;The University of Hyderabad is bustling with construction work. A community of migrant construction workers lives on the premises of the university in temporary homes. Everyday life in this community is full of activity, but until recently, there was no school for the children of the workers. Given the work routines of the adults and the lack of transportation, the children cannot attend schools outside the university campus.;xNLx;;xNLx;In April 2011, through the combined efforts of Ethan, an exchange student at the University of Hyderabad (U of H), Bhavani Aadimoolam, the Hindi Instructor and International House Resident Faculty at the University of Hyderabad’s Study in India Program, a school was born. The six students of Duke University’ Duke Intense Global program (2011-12) along with Professors Leela & Baba Prasad, joined hands with this fledgling team. In a parents’ meeting, it soon acquired a name: Aksharavani. From that time until now, Aksharavani has been growing in resources, organization and student attendance. SCOPE, an NGO that works to better the conditions of migrant labor communities, provided start-up assistance through partial teacher support and supplies.;xNLx;;xNLx;Aksharavani School is a primary educational center committed to the needs and comprehensive educational fulfillment of the children of migrant laborers on University of Hyderabad campus. ;xNLx;;xNLx;We are also growing as a model for migrant school projects in similar communities throughout India.;xNLx;;xNLx;Thank you for your interest, and enjoy!
He was a CIE student and CIE students, as a part of their program are supposed to take up some kind of NGO or volunteer work. Before this, it had mostly taken place outside campus – i.e. an orphans/semi-orphans w/ HIV house; a women’s organization called Desire; an NGO for Muslim women in Charminar; Also an organization for rescuing prostitutes in the Charminar area; However, Ethan wanted to work with children, so he, along with some other classmates thought of the construction workers’ kids and doing something with them. Ethan went around asking the parents what they would like and eventually called a parents’ meeting. He convinced them to want a school, asking/hearing from the parents, saying that did not want their kids to be laborers like them. They agreed and prepared a shed within 3-4 days.
She would continue to get more involved and Ethan turned over the school to her upon returning to the US.
A student named Paul Kane is moved by emailed appeal and gives major contribution
Bhavani is left in charge of the school
Summer Students Arrive - Alyssa, Priyanka & others totaling 6
Fall Students Come - Gabby, Suzanne, and Elizabeth start Volunteering
Leela Prasad, program director for the Duke Intense Global (DIG) Study Abroad from Duke visits site
Established the school would be a Scope Supported School
Met with an experienced education volunteer to get tips on creating a curriculum
New teacher initiated a meeting for the mothers' of children in the school
Asked for a bathroom, a repair, and an additional room
Mothers voted on a name for the school
Surya Raju Mattimalla visited Aksharavani and said some people on campus referred him to the school. Purpose of Visit: "I’m a human rights student from the University of Sydney. I’m visiting many schools to see the service of the people who (are) working for the children. I can introduce some of the donors (foreign) who work for kids like these."
Various members of the community, from young men to older parents waited anxiously for the volunteers to finish sorting the clothes into separate sections. Shoes were in one place, women's and girl's clothes in another, men's and boy's clothes in another. Finally it was time for the Christmas Clothing Sale to begin. People quickly began browsing the donated clothing for exciting additions to their wardrobes. After deciding on a purchase, shoppers proceeded to the second classroom to pay for the goods, completing their transactions. The sale stretched for about an hour, and when it closed little inventory remained--now in the hands of many satisfied customers. All the proceeds from the sale will be used to support the school's growth.
As the tri-color fluttered in the light breeze, we sang the Indian national anthem. With bright faces, songs, sweets, and the flag hoisting, Aksharavani and its community had just celebrated its first Republic Day as a school!
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