CHETANAA is a non-government, non-profitable social organization working towards educating children belonging to under privileged families in village of Mirzapur, Kurukshetra, India. In 1989, several teachers of Kurukshetra University and well-wishers visited this area and found innocent, lovely children bubbling with energy jumping in the dirty village pond and running across the muddy streets unmindful of their fate. Helpless, poverty stricken parents looking away, cursing their stars and their offspring. Something must be done, they thought. And in early 1990 CHETANAA was born.
History Of CHETANAA
In 1990, a building was rented in the village Mirzapur to be used as a learning center. Parents in the village were persuaded over and over again to send their children to the center. CHETANAA started out with only 20 children in 1990 in 1st & 2nd classes and now has 200 children from Nursery to the 12th class. CHETANAA bears all education related expenses of all the children with the help of donations from benevolent people throughout the World (CHETANAA does not get any Government aid). CHETANAA now has built its own educational center with 7 classrooms in 3600 sq feet area. The building is now equipped with proper lighting, ceiling fans etc. CHETANAA now employs 5 teachers who help children, after school, in homework and in preparation for class exams.
Objectives of CHETANAA
CHETANAA gets its children admitted to government schools in Kurukshetra city and works towards total personality development through formal and non-formal education. Children are also taught moral values and importance of hygiene and sanitation. They are also encouraged to participate in sports and extra curricular activities. CHETANAA provides all its children with books, stationery, school dresses and extra coaching. This year all the children had a complete medical examination and were given preventive immunization shots. CHETANAA celebrates India’s Independence Day and Republic Day. Sports competitions and educational trips are also organized from time to time. During the past few years, children have been taken to zoo, museums and various parks around North India. Outstanding children are awarded for their academic and extra curricular achievements.
Results
Children have shown marked improvement academically and are competing with top students in their classes. They also have improved personalities and have developed a very positive attitude towards life. The parents of children also have started participating actively in CHETANAA’s activities.At present three of our students are studying in B.A. One is emplyed by CHETANAA it self. Some children are being given computer & other vocational training.
CHETANAA’s Finances
CHETANAA started out with an expenditure of mere Rupees 82 in 1990, but in 2006 incurred an expenditure of appox. Rupees 2 lac.Now the expenses for 2007-2008 is Rs 2,21053 / and donations is Rs 2,13065. All the money comes from the public donations and educational sponsorship of children. CHETANAA has today made a niche in people hearts and it has become a people’s program. CHETANAA has made a difference in the village. Years of persuasion have made the parents of these children realize that school education is the foundation of a good future for their children. CHETANAA needs your help to keep all of its programs going. Many children are turned away due to lack of accommodation and financial constraints.