SEVAA
Society for Envisioning Vivekananda in Awareness and Action
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Ukhra Project
Empowering education and community development in Ukhra village, Paschim Bardhaman
Project Overview
Ukhra village is an ancient hamlet of Paschim Bardhaman. Rich in Shaivite-Shakta-Vaishnava akharas and temples, the village is not identified as a poor one, but to SEVAA, this hamlet seems problematic in other ways.
Key Challenges Identified
- 50% of children lack proper reading ability despite 15+ primary schools in the area
- 80% of children struggle with writing skills
- 5 high schools cover the region but learning outcomes remain weak
- Shortage of subject teachers, especially Mathematics and Life Science
- Girls' high school ran without a Mathematics teacher for three years
- Poor foundational listening and speaking skills among primary students
- Limited observation and reasoning skills among children
- Weak independent writing capabilities
- Insufficient creative and co-curricular activities in schools
- Limited access to digital education tools during school hours
- Widespread diabetes and hypertension among adults
- Low general health awareness across the community
- Lack of preventive-care knowledge among residents
- Limited reach of regular medical screenings
- Rapid soil degradation due to nearby coal mining activities
- Progressive deforestation around the village
- Loss of vegetation along water bodies
- Inadequate water management in a century-old semi-urban settlement
- Poor drainage system causing monsoon flooding
- Limited community-level environmental awareness
- Few safe public spaces for backward and girl students
- Shrinking cultural and creative outlets for children outside school
SEVAA Ukhra Initiatives
Our comprehensive approach to community development through education, health, and environmental initiatives
Ukhra Nabadisha
A comprehensive educational project covering 5 primary schools and 1 girls' high school, reaching approximately 900 children in the village. Key objectives: develop quality reading ability among 100% children, enhance listening and speaking skills, foster observation skills and reasoning abilities, develop independent writing capabilities, encourage creativity among students.
SMART Class Initiative
For the first time, SEVAA introduced digital education during regular school hours. The SMART room in the girls' school was equipped with advanced camera systems for interactive learning, two-way communication capabilities, focus on classes 11 and 12 students, integration with school curriculum.
Joy Box Programme
A portable Audio Visual unit designed to make learning engaging and interactive for children across schools. Activities include story listening sessions, visual problem-solving exercises, mind mapping for concept development, and vocabulary enhancement activities.
Environmental Initiatives
Addressing environmental challenges through tree plantation and community awareness programs. Tree plantation festival in 2023, saplings planted along water bodies, community environmental awareness, long-term sustainability focus.
Winter Service Creation Festival
In December 2023, when schools were closed, SEVAA organized a creative festival for 100 backward students from Navadisha schools.
Festival Activities:
- Music and dance workshops
- Drawing and painting sessions
- Recitation and drama activities
- 10-day intensive program
- Community feast and gift distribution
Project Gallery
Moments captured from our various activities and initiatives in Ukhra
Learn More About Our Ukhra Work
Visit the dedicated Ukhra website to explore our ongoing initiatives