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The Senpur Primary School in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, has some 63 students and four teachers. Located in a tiny village, the facilities would not necessarily inspire children to come to school every single day. Senpur Primary was not always the pride of Ambedkar Nagar. A while ago, toilet facilities for students were sorely lacking. Girls especially did not regularly attend school due to poor hygiene conditions. The school had no safe drinking water or adequate grounds for the children to exercise.

Open defecation around the school was in practice. These untenable conditions led to a grave increase in the school’s dropout rate over time. Both school and students had all but given up hope, that is, until a visit by Plan India’s staff.

Upon learning of the lack of facilities at the school, Senpur Primary School was selected to be part of the Support My School (SMS) project implemented by Plan India supported by Coca-Cola and NDTV.  The team developed a strategic plan based on the opinions and views given by the School Management Committee and students.   Shortly after the construction of separate toilets were for girls and boys, provision of safe drinking water and provided sports materials.   Students were oriented on environment-friendly practices like tree plantation and rainwater harvesting as well. 

After completing the renovation works, Plan India handed over to the school authorities to sustain the project with regular maintenance and use. There are many changes after completing the SMS project, specifically in the academic process, such as increasing enrollment, retention rate, enhanced confidence among teachers, and encouraging SMC to have regular meetings

Most importantly, the children enjoyed coming to school to study and play with their friends.  It boasts of cheerful and committed students and teachers who work together to make learning safe and fun. This project (Support My School) contributes to the lives of vulnerable children across the country, providing them holistically, quality education, and the facilities to thrive.

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