From discussions with the Headmistress and the main Ex-students Association, we have come to learn that about 40% of the students now studying in our school are First Generation Learners - most from the Slums of Dharavi. Though the School Fees itself is insignificant, there are significant expenses on Books, note books, fees for computer classes, the AV facilities etc.

We had no clear idea of the quantum of help needed for the education of these children. Therefore, as discussed in our Google Group (You can access the discussions on this topic at our Google Groups here.), we conducted a detailed survey via a questionnaire distributed to all students in the school. Of the 3500 odd students, we have close to 600 students whose family income is less than Rs. 5000 per month. We are hoping to be able to target and help these students. At a rough guess, each of these students needs help to the tune of about Rs. 2500 per year.This amount will be required year after year till we manage to build a corpus large enough to support this activity on the interest that it will generate.

We will be seeking help from our batch mates (and their siblings who may have been students of the school). And, in view of the huge financial commitment needed for the corpus, we are, for the first time, requesting all alumni to extend their catchment to their friends, relatives, colleagues and well wishers who will be willing to support this cause.

We have received enthusiastic response from our batch mates, other alumni and well-wishers to our appeal for funds. We are grateful to all donors.

Between July 2010and December 2010, we distributed scholarships of Rs. 2500 per student to the identified students (Students whose parents' combined monthly income is less than Rs. 5,000) , A total of 401 students collected the scholarships - which thus totalled Rs. 10,02,500 .

A few pictures taken at time of handing over of these scholarships are available here.

Chart showing the details of the scholarships distributed.