Transforming education for students

The literacy rate in Rajasthan, one of the largest states in India, is lower than the national average of 74%, according to the 2011 Census data. The state’s literacy rate stands at 66%. Jaisalmer, a popular tourist destination in west Rajasthan, has a literacy rate of around 46.

For years, government schools in Jaisalmer have been struggling with low student enrollment rate, high dropout rate, lack of infrastructure and shortage of trained teachers.

In its effort to encourage children to go to schools regularly, the Adani Foundation has taken up several initiatives to help improve school infrastructure. In 2023-24, the Foundation provided clean drinking water and sanitation facilities in schools.

To provide education to underprivileged children from remote areas, the Government of Rajasthan had started Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools. One such educational institution is in Bhaniyana village. But children from far-flung areas find the regular commute difficult resulting in irregular attendance and dropouts. The Adani Foundation donated a 32-seater school bus to Bhaniyana village so that students could go to school safely. The school manages the bus operations and according to residents, the vehicle has been a huge help.

At Tamachi Ram Ki Dhani in Rewari gram panchayat, the school building needed urgent repairs. It had seepage problems and clean drinking water was not available for the students. The Adani Foundation repaired the school building, installed tap connections and beautified the premises.

In Nidhaan and Madasar villages, toilets in most government schools are in a dilapidated condition. Around 250 children study in the Nidhaan school and the Adani Foundation has built toilets for girls and set up with tap water facilities.

The Foundation has also installed RO water purifiers and water coolers for students. Overhead tanks have been installed to ensure regular supply of drinking water. A 1 HP motor pump has been installed, along with hand pump, to fill up the water tank from borewell through a motor pump. Handwash stations have also been set up to promote hygiene among children.

In western Rajasthan, temperature during the summer months often goes beyond 50 degrees Celsius. To protect school children from extreme heat, the Foundation has set up tin sheds in Keraliya and Satasar villages of Pokhran tehsil. In Keraliya village, tin shed has benefited more than 155 students. Similarly, in Satasar village, a 20 feet X 40 feet tin shed has been put in place providing relief to around 35 enrolled students.