CAF School Bus in India
On 31 March 2002, the Indian Institute of Development Trust (IID TRUST) purchased a minivan with the financial contribution of Femmes d'Europe Belgium and the Rotary Club of Thanjavur New Town, India.
The project was initiated by Pia Lovengreen, President of CAF, and John Britto, CAF coordinator in India, based on an analysis of school attendance in this region of South India. The analysis showed that many young children and elder girl children did not attend school as there was no transport available to bring them to school safely. Identifying the worst affected villages, John Britto developed a plan by which one minivan could bring a maximum of children to school. At the same time, Pia Lovengreen contacted Femmes d'Europe and requested a financial contribution for the purchase of a minivan. The request was met by Femmes d'Europe Belgium, and the Thanjavur Rotary Club kindly contributed the remainder of the money required to purchase the minivan.
Nowadays children are brought to and from school every day by the minivan from the following 11 villages:
- Kurumpoondi
- T.B. Sanatorium
- Koonampatti
- Thachankurichi
- Palayapatti
- Thakkan Theru
- Thurusipatti
- Valambakudi
- Manayeripatti
- Ariapatti
- Sanoorapatti
A driver has been appointed by IID, who are currently paying his salary as their contribution to the project. The parents also contribute by paying a minimal amount for fuel expenses and maintenance of the minivan.
CAF and IID kindly thank Femmes d'Europe and the Rotary club of Thanjavur New Town, India for their generous contributions and participation in this successful project.
My name is Kanimozhi. I live in Palayaptti village. I am studying fifth Std in Shri Sarada vidhyalaya school in sengipatti. My school is situated in 5 kms away from my house. There is no frequent buses running in the route. They do not suit my timing. Even there are few mini buses, they are crowded by people. As a child i could not find a place. Last year i was studying fourth Std. Since the transport was the problem my parents decided to stop me from the school.
We heard that IID has bought a van with the help of CAF. CAF and its emblem are on the van. Daily i see the letters and the pictures of two hands. Now i travel by van in the morning at 9.00 am and in the evening at 4.00 pm. This helps me travel safely and continue my studies.
Thank you CAF.
Status of the project: Funded
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