As of May 2010, 85 girls have progressed through the three year KGBV Narikudi program. Of these 85, 51 girls (60%) have transferred to ODAM’s hostel.
The Hostel’s infrastructure is modest, with an open-plan common room, where the girls study and eat; one room for the computer classes and another for tailoring classes. There are also two sleeping rooms and a third one will be opened soon.
At the moment ODAM is applying for grants to construct a new building which would be able to accommodate up to 50 girls with more space and better facilities. Sponsors’ donations may go towards the construction of this new building, if ODAM doesn’t receive a grant.
The girls have their meals at the common area, and are supervised by one teacher, who helps and supports them on a daily basis. They are provided with toiletries, health care, clothing and schooling materials. In early 2010, a series of health and sanitation initiatives took place in the KGBV School and the Barathi Hostel, as well as a Dental and Ophthalmology Awareness campaign.
This allowed the girls to have their eyes and teeth checked and receive further treatment if necessary. Some girls had glasses prescribed that were funded by a former volunteer. They were also trained on dental hygiene by the dentist.
ODAM volunteers work with the KGBV School and Barathi Hostel girls, tutoring them in spoken English and English literacy afterschool. They also provide extra curricular activities, such as recycled handicraft education, chorus, dance, and even martial arts workshops, to name just a few. The students are eager to learn new things and meet new people, they really value the experience with the international volunteers.
The girls at the hostel
The girls that reside at the hostel have been able to overcome the hardship of working and living in poor conditions and study hard to achieve the levels required to pass the Government exams. These girls are full of energy and a passion to learn, they study hard every day after high school at the Hostel, helping each other. Since 2005, ODAM has worked tirelessly to build each girl’s confidence, nurture talents, and offer each one a healthy childhood.
Some of the girls living in the Barathi Girls Hostel at the moment are:
Please sponsor now!