School is a place of learning and acquiring knowledge. One of the basic needs of the society today is education. Killer Earthquake on 26^th January 2001 destroyed many school buildings in several villages. All educational activities came to stand still. Sewa Bharati swung into action. The project for reconstruction of school buildings was taken in hand simultaneously with rehabilitation of villages. 

Villages were identified in several districts where school buildings had collapsed. Size of school building and its classrooms was decided depending on the size of the village and the number of students. Many schools were constructed in new locations whereas some schools were constructed at the old sites after removing the debris. 

A big size well ventilated classroom, principal office, library, toilet blocks and other facilities are provided in each school along with huge playground. Old school buildings were very small, congested and constructed several years ago, and were lacking in essential amenities. A well planed, earthquake resistant structure was constructed providing all basic requirements. Glass bricks were used in the slab of each classroom to provide enough light. 

It was a new concept. This project was taken up on war footing as children were taking their education in temporary shelters like tents and at some places even in the open. This gesture of constructing school buildings was highly appreciated by society and the Government. Government of Gujarat granted Rs. 75000/- per classroom as a contribution, which was around 30% of the total cost. It is worth mention here that so many organisations came forward to contribute for this noble cause.

The opening ceremony (Lokarpan) of each school witnessed great enthusiasm in the public as well dignitaries attending the function. Lokarpan ceremonies were performed by chief Minister, Education Minister, Priests, Donor Agencies and Top Functionaries of R.S.S. Few schools buildings were constructed in towns having facilities with library, laboratory and other basic amenities.

SCHOOL PROJECT AT A GLANCE

Sr. No.

District

No. of Schools

No. of Rooms

Cost in INR lakhs

Cost in US $

1

Surendranagar

9

41

82.60

175745

2

Patan

8

31

69.60

148085

3

Banaskantha

4

29

57.60

122553

4

Kutch

23

112

248.50

528723

5

Jamnagar

14

49

118.60

252340

6

Rajkot

4

32

80.40

171064

Total

62

294

657.30

1.398 Million