Becky teaching English

We have long been aware that the children's understanding of spoken English is very poor and that they may have a good vocabulary, but are unable to use it very well. We are therefore very lucky that Becky Bell, having decided to take a gap year before university, wanted to go to India to teach for 6 months. Through a contact with a very good Friend, Becky travelled out with me in early October and she is now spending her days working at Mettupalayam School.

In the picture, she is teaching one of the larger classes- I know that the children will pick up spoken English very quickly and look forward to being able to speak more meaningfully with them when I next visit in January.

Thank you Becky- you're a star!

Jon's marathon effort

On the 8th November, our very good Friend, Jonathan Power is running the Riviera marathon to raise funds for Friends of Mettupalayam. Jon stayed in Mettupalayam for a while some 2 years ago and was very impressed and touched by the work of Venkat and his team. Jon has decided to raise £1000 by running this, his very first, marathon!

You can support his fundraising efforts at www/justgiving.com/jonathanpower/

I will post a blog update when I know the total raised. Thank you and Good Luck Jon

Putting a lid on it part 2

Apologies, the photo didn't attach to thelast blog!

Putting a lid on it!

At long last, the roof is now being added to the new Crakehall School. The engineer is using a new system of construction which is speeding things along nicely. The roof will be strong enough to become the floor for new visitor and staff accommodation when money allows.
It is particularly nice to think of the students being able to admire the view from the windows- much better than the old school buildings!

Cloth from waste

Organising and supporting womens self help groups (Sanghams) forms a very important part of IRDT's rural development and poverty relief work. A prime example are the groups who have bought cotton waste processing machines and who turn the offcuts from cotton clothing manufacture into re-usable cotton thread. Purchasing the specialist machines with the help of a government grant and a loan from the Indian Bank, this provides the women with a sound weekly income, and employment which they can fit in around their family responsibilities. The photo shows some members of one group at an exhibition in Chennai, explaining and promoting the scheme. IRDT were instrumental in linking the various participants together- the cotton clothing manufacturers, the machine manufacturers, transport, and government and bank officials.

Growing panes!

Following repairs to IRDT's computer, we are now receiving very regular updates on the new Crakehall School building, together with photos. The new form of construction means that the walls are now going up very quickly, with panels being made from concrete poured into formers. Venkat has also been advised that the roof for the whole school will only take 6 days to make, compared to around 20 days using the old methods! Over 30 people are now being employed on site, and the engineer is paying a daily rate of 300 rupees making a significant impact on the cashflow for the villagers.

Opening the new school is scheduled for mid October- there still seems much to be done by then!

Crakehall School, Mettupalayam progress

At long last, we have received some updated pictures from Mettupalayam. The new school is really starting to take shape and the walls are now being built between the supporting pillars. This is a new form of construction to us, with concrete walls being built within shuttering, supervised very closely by our excellent engineer and his team. We now hope to open the building during the early to middle of October. I have in fact booked my flights out for the 8th October so the engineer is aware of the time deadline for the opening ceremony!