When an academic year is drawing to a close, disposing of old textbooks, stationery and other school items will be on the to-do list for parents. Goonj Foundation makes this task easier for parents by taking in old supplies and distributing them as rewards and not as charity to students from the rural sections of India. The “School-to-School” initiative of Goonj, a multi-state non-governmental organisation, makes sure supplies that all students require but are not easily accessible to them, are provided in an unconventional way.
“Instead of just giving away the supplies to the students, we encourage them to take part in activities and projects that we conduct in collaboration with their schools. These activities are usually simple, including following a daily hygiene routine and taking part in a group presentation. The students who complete their projects successfully are rewarded with a school kit,” says Ayushi Mittal, head, Chennai chapter, Goonj.
The kit comprises supplies such as stationery that have come in as contributions. After checking and processing, these items are added to other stocked items, including school bags and shoes.
School-to-School is a flagship initiative cutting across all the 21 states that Goonj has a presence in. In Chennai alone, the Foundation works with 150 school and centres.
The response has been good both ways, but demand is always higher than supply, which is something we are working on, says Ayushi.
Goonj, which recently completed 18 years of operations, has been in Chennai since 2005, with their main city office in Kovilampakkam. Their other initiatives include disaster management efforts during times of crisis and various projects for rural development.
To contribute to the School-to-School initiative and learn more about Goonj, call 9599315216.