Ashirvad Residential School
The desire to help the children of the families affected/infected by HIV/AIDS was borne in us in 2003. Most of them had already lost their fathers to complications with AIDS and several mothers were HIV positive. Some of these children were themselves HIV positive and doing very poorly in health. Most had no opportunity for proper schooling. We observed that the children in these families had very little hope of coming out of the vicious cycle in which they were living.
We considered providing some of these needy children with a residential facility from where they can attend a neighborhood school. When we surveyed several neighborhood schools, we quickly found that the children from HIV families would not be granted admission in these schools due to the fear, shame and stigma attached to the disease. That is when we realized that we would need to begin a residential school and hire full time teachers.
The school started in July 2004 with 11 children and currently there are 31 resident students. 9 of the 31 are HIV positive. 4 AIDS widows (also mothers of the resident children) stay with the children in this residential school, and are trained to serve as caregivers. We have 5 full time teachers.
At present Ashirvad School has classes from Kindergarten to Class 8. The children range from ages 5 to 15. The medium of instruction in the school is in English, to give them better future prospects.
The first thing that strikes one upon entering Ashirvad School is joy. An outside observer can sense the harmony of the community work, commitment to individual education and focus on providing children with the skills and tools necessary to pass successfully into adolescence and adulthood.
Healthy diet, Medical attention and caring and nurturing residential environment provides for good health and security in the children.
Of the 30 children, 16 have already placed their trust in the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior. They daily spend time in personal quiet time. They are being discipled on a daily basis. Scripture memorization is a very integral part of their spiritual training. They are also learning to share their faith with others.
Curriculum:
- Small group activities
- Science and Math
- Reading, writing and speaking literacy in three languages
- Spiritual training
- Field trips
- Parent and community education
- Health and hygiene education
Those Currently benefiting:
- 30 children (plus 2 day-scholars)
- of these 9 are HIV +ve
- 4 widows (caregivers)
Our vision is to expand this facility so that within 2 years around 200 children are provided this opportunity.