COVID-19 Relief for Siragu Montessori School
Donation protected
Breakground: Educating the Educators of Tomorrow
Siragu Montessori School is a nonprofit educational foundation funded by the Suyam Charitable Trust. The word “Siragu” means wings in Tamil. The idea here is that the kids can fly to better destinations than what they were born into; a goal that the school’s students certainly have reached. This school, located in the outskirts of Chennai, India, houses and educates close to 500 underprivileged kids. These kids are typically children of panhandlers, scavengers or pig-farmers. For many of the parents of these kids, education is not necessarily a priority.
Since my elementary school days, Siragu has been an important aspect of my life. My grandparents and aunt introduced me to the school when I was eight years old. Since then, every time I visit India, I also venture to the school and work with the students.
This year, as a result of the pandemic, I began online sessions a couple of months ago. During my first lesson this spring, a college graduate (and Siragu alum) volunteering at Siragu recognized me from six years ago (my first time visiting the school).
The city of Chennai has been in an extended state of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The livelihoods of many families have been completely wiped out - many of which may never come back. During these trying times, many students are inclined to return to panhandling in hopes of some financial relief. As a result, it is imperative that these students remain engaged academically.
I have taken it upon myself to continue my work with the school, albeit remotely, during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such I have engaged with the students, in English, by encouraging diary entries cataloging their experiences. I have also developed a math curriculum tailored to elementary, middle and high school requirements.
The pandemic has made life incredibly challenging for many of the kids. They are stuck in the school due to the lockdown. I try to do my bit to cheer them up and continue my duties as a teacher. That being said, I want to support my students in as many ways as possible. I understand that they are not alone in experiencing hardships. This is certainly not the first hardship they have had to or will conquer. But, anything that I can do to help them, will go a very long way.
If you have any abilities during these times to support my Siragu students, please consider donating. I will be sure to put these funds to good use and support these students by providing meal security and enhancing their schooling experience.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Thanks in advance,
Arya Ramachandran
Siragu Montessori School is a nonprofit educational foundation funded by the Suyam Charitable Trust. The word “Siragu” means wings in Tamil. The idea here is that the kids can fly to better destinations than what they were born into; a goal that the school’s students certainly have reached. This school, located in the outskirts of Chennai, India, houses and educates close to 500 underprivileged kids. These kids are typically children of panhandlers, scavengers or pig-farmers. For many of the parents of these kids, education is not necessarily a priority.
Since my elementary school days, Siragu has been an important aspect of my life. My grandparents and aunt introduced me to the school when I was eight years old. Since then, every time I visit India, I also venture to the school and work with the students.
This year, as a result of the pandemic, I began online sessions a couple of months ago. During my first lesson this spring, a college graduate (and Siragu alum) volunteering at Siragu recognized me from six years ago (my first time visiting the school).
The city of Chennai has been in an extended state of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The livelihoods of many families have been completely wiped out - many of which may never come back. During these trying times, many students are inclined to return to panhandling in hopes of some financial relief. As a result, it is imperative that these students remain engaged academically.
I have taken it upon myself to continue my work with the school, albeit remotely, during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such I have engaged with the students, in English, by encouraging diary entries cataloging their experiences. I have also developed a math curriculum tailored to elementary, middle and high school requirements.
The pandemic has made life incredibly challenging for many of the kids. They are stuck in the school due to the lockdown. I try to do my bit to cheer them up and continue my duties as a teacher. That being said, I want to support my students in as many ways as possible. I understand that they are not alone in experiencing hardships. This is certainly not the first hardship they have had to or will conquer. But, anything that I can do to help them, will go a very long way.
If you have any abilities during these times to support my Siragu students, please consider donating. I will be sure to put these funds to good use and support these students by providing meal security and enhancing their schooling experience.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Thanks in advance,
Arya Ramachandran
Organizer and beneficiary
Arya Ramachandran
Organizer
Boston, MA
Ramesh Ramachandran
Beneficiary