A Heartfelt Mission: Revitalizing Sara Middle School with a 1.4 Crore INR Contribution
In May 2021, Dilip Babu received a heartfelt message from Mr. Venkatesh Kannan, an
aeronautical engineer based in Qatar. The message was a plea for help to
save Sara Middle School in Madurai, a vital institution that provides education to children
from low-income families. Upon reviewing the details and photos of
the school, Babu was struck by a wave of nostalgia; the school looked familiar, reminiscent
of the area he frequented during his childhood.
Sara Middle School was established in 1966 by the Mahalakshmi Weavers Cooperative Society,
providing essential education to students from LKG through
8th grade. While the government covers the teachers' salaries, the school relied on the
cooperative society to manage other expenses, such as maintenance and
utilities. Unfortunately, when the society was dissolved in 2000, the school fell into
disrepair.
The two buildings, which housed a total of six classrooms, deteriorated significantly,
leaving
students in dire conditions. During his visit, Babu witnessed firsthand the impact of this
decline; classrooms for first and second graders were combined with those for third and
fourth graders due to a critical shortage of space. This situation highlighted the urgent
need
for improvements to ensure a proper learning environment for the children.
Recognizing the urgent need for improvements, Babu was inspired to take action. He
generously committed 1.4 Crore INR to breathe new life into the school. His contributions
included:
1. New School Building: Construction of a new building featuring six
classrooms to
accommodate the growing number of students.
2.Classroom Amenities: Provision of desks, chairs, fans, and lighting to
create a conducive
learning environment.
3. New Toilets: Modern toilet facilities to ensure hygiene and comfort
for the students.
New school building built by Mr. Dilip Babu to bring new life to Sara Middle School, Mar 2023
New playground area built by Mr. Dilip Babu
4. Mid-Day Meal Kitchen: A dedicated kitchen to support the goverments's midday meal program, ensuring students receive nutritious meals.
5.Rainwater Management: To combat flooding during the rainy season, over 100 lorry loads of sand were used to fill in low-lying area and construct drainage favour blocks.
6. Playground: Developement of a new playground for students to enjoy recreational activities.
7.Technology Access: Provision of six new computers to enchance the learing experience.
8. Water Tank: Installation of a new water tank to ensure a consistent of clean water.
Beyond this substantial one-time investment, Babu has also committed to ongoing monthly
support to ensure the continued success of the school. This includes:
1.Teacher Salaries: Covering the salaries of five teachers to address
staffing shortages and
ensure quality education.
2.Cleaning Staff: Funding salaries for two cleaners to maintain the
toilets, classrooms, and
overall cleanliness of the campus.
3.Transport Services: Providing van transportation for students, making it
easier for them
to travel to and from school.
Dilip Babu’s heartfelt initiative to revitalize Sara Middle School not only enhances the
educational environment for these children but also reflects his belief in the
transformative
power of education. His actions demonstrate that true success is defined not only by
personal achievements but also by the positive impact one can make in the lives of others.
Classes conducted using the six computers sponsored by Mr. Dilip Babu
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