About Happy Rays Foundation in , Puri

THE WAY FORWARD...

HRF is an initiative to volunteer in education at grass root level. The education system in India can be divided into two parts, self-funded (Private) and Govt. aided (fully or partially) schooling system.

As per a report published by India Year Book (Govt of India), there are some genuine issues in Indian education as follows.

When the British Rule ended in 1947, the literacy rate was just 12%. Over the years India has changed socially, economically and globally. Literacy rate in India was found to be 74.04%. Compared to adult literacy rate, youth literacy rate is 9% higher.

The Indian Govt. banned child labour. However, free education and the ban on child labour are difficult to enforce due to the economic disparity and social conditions. 80% of all recognised schools at the elementary stage are Govt. run or supported, making it the largest provider of education in the country.

Due to lack of political will and shortage of resources, this system suffers from massive gaps including the following.

1. High pupil-teacher ratio.
2. Shortage of infrastructure.
3. Poor levels of teacher training.

The DERP (District Education Revitalization Program) universalize primary education in India and free education till the age of 14.

Some Facts:

Current Literacy Rate: 74.07%
Female Literacy Rate: 65%
Male Literacy Rate: 82%
Absolute Non-literates: 304 Million
Total Schools in India (Govt.): 21,27,000

India's former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in his book "TARGET 3 BILLION' says the problem of poverty can only be eliminated through education in one generation (30 years). If we will be able to educate a member from each family and make him self-sustainable, then that will terminate the chain of poverty (from one generation to another).

At the time of independence, the population below poverty line was 50% and currently it is 22%. Transforming a country into a developing nation would require meeting the needs of one billion people for which FIVE areas has been identified.

1. Agriculture and Food Processing.
2. Education and Healthcare
3. Infrastructure for all part of the country (Such as reliable and quality electricity, surface and air transport).
4. Information and communication technology
5. Self reliance in strategic sectors.

The above five areas are closely inter-related and if effectively addressed will lead to food, economic, energy, national security and sustainable prosperity.

Dr. Kalam emphasizes on full utilisation of natural and human resources of the region to meet the demands of the modern society. This can only be possible through providing quality education to every child and make him employable.

Our Mission:

1. Creating a database of Govt. schools in each district of India.
2. Creating a network of educated volunteers who want to spread their knowledge and create an impact in the society.
3. Assessment of deficit of teachers and their fulfillment through volunteers.
4. Creating awareness among the public (who don't send their children to schools) about the value of education.
5. Finally creating some vocational job opportunities for those who are educated.

We invite educated individuals to join this self-less cause to make India 100% literate in one generation (by 2045).

Who Can be a Volunteer?

1. Students (Graduation and above)
2. Housewives (Who get some spare time and want to contribute to the society)
3. Working people (Both Public and Pvt. sector employees who have some spare time with them, may be weekends)
4. Retired persons (Who have time and strength to teach)
5. Anyone who can teach students in any class up to 10th standard of the subject of his/her choice.

Organization Structure:

1. No monetary donation will be accepted.
2. There is no boss or subordinate.
3. Anyone with an interest to teach is welcome.
4. Registering yourself as a volunteer will be free.
5. An open forum with a transparent structure and policies.
6. Anyone anywhere in India with a motive to serve can join.

We welcome everyone to join as a volunteer and leave your marks behind..

Warm Regards:
Team HRF.