#20230901 - Student study center in Thirupalaivannam, Thiruvalur district

Many students from underprivileged backgrounds are forced to drop out of school for various family and financial reasons. At the secondary school level, the dropout rate is as high as 12-13 percent. Such students find it very difficult to return to school even if the parents get back to a level of being able to afford their education again. This is without even considering the number of children who haven’t been able to start formal schooling. 

Our proposal

At Aalayam we have always believed that lack of financial resources should not be a reason to deny quality education for the country’s next generation. To address  situations like the above, and as a special project to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Aalayam Foundation, we are sponsoring a study center at the Thirupalaivannam Village, Cenzhai Amman ST Nagar, Thiruvalur district, that will be maintained by the Viduthalai Social Welfare Trust. The study centre will also offer personalised coaching by volunteers, from time to time, depending on the needs of the students. 

The study centre can house ~40 students at a time. It will be accessible from, and be beneficial to 20+ villages across the district, creating a significant impact on the area’s progress.

The Viduthalai trust has extensive experience in managing such informal study centres, sometimes even under big banyan trees with no formal buildings. 

What does this solve?

Anyone with an interest to study regardless of financial condition or formal schooling experience will be able to walk in, make use of the extensive free library, and spend time learning about subjects of their interest. Easily accessible education, but outside formal, rigid, schooling structures. 

What exactly are we sponsoring

We are planning to crowd source funds to construct and set up a study center building with a dedicated library. The cost of construction is ₹3.25 Lakhs and is expected to take 30 days of work. 

The building will be constructed in a size of 20x15m with hollow blocks, a 10 feet wall, 2 windows and a sheet roof. 

Aalayam will raise this funds from its supporters and handover the cheque directly to the Viduthalai trust. We also oversee the construction work to make sure the expectations are met.

Regulation, approvals and maintenance

Aalayam volunteers has worked closely with Vidhuthalai trust and local Panchayat, who have graciously allowed us to build the study centre on the Panchayat designated land, and provided us the necessary regulatory approvals. The locals have also been consulted and their concurrence has been obtained. The study center is contributed to the village people by the Panchayat and will be operated by Vidhuthalai trust and overseen by Aalayam.

Schedule and payments

The project started on 5th Sep 2023 and expected to complete on 6th Oct 2023. Payment schedule is given below:

1. Schedule 1 - Rs.1,00,000 on 11th Sep 2023 (at the beginning)

2. Schedule 2 - Rs.1,00,000 on 25th Sep 2023 (half completion)

3. Schedule 3 - Rs.1,25,000  on 6th Oct 2023 or at completion