Ampole Primary School

Gazipur, West Bengal

Helen Cunningham writes:

In the primary school in the Ampole region of West Bengal, there are no chairs. There are no toilets. The 100 inches of rain that fall during Monsoon Season consistently flood the school's mud floor and force it to close.

In this poor, agricultural region, these deficiencies matter. Already under pressure to work from an early age, the building's lack of facilities, its frequent closures, act as yet another barrier to an education. The drop-out rate is high. Many children turn away.

Foundation for Freedom believes renovating the building can make a big difference. A cement floor will mean the school stays open, even in the rain. Basic improvements, like chairs and tables, will make school a much more attractive place to go, and toilets will make it safe.