What Bodhi Tree Educational Foundation is?
Bodhi Tree Educational Foundation is a beacon of hope and learning in Shripur, village located just 5 kilometers from Bodhgaya in the northern regions of India.
This foundation was established in 2009 by Dwarko Sundrani, a revered figure and the last living student of Mahatma Gandhi. Dwarko Sundrani’s life was a testament to Gandhian principles of compassion, non-violence, and selfless service.
He dedicated his life to improving the lives of the impoverished and marginalized communities in rural India.
Where we are?
We are on the outskirts of Bodhgaya, and a few kilometers from Gaya, the capital of the area, the most developed city.
In Gaya is located the airport, so if you come as a volunteer, you will land there and we will pick you up.
A Vision Rooted in Compassion
Founded with a deep sense of purpose, the Bodhi Tree School serves as the heart of the foundation’s mission.
The school is a charitable organization committed to providing education to the most vulnerable children in the region.
It currently educates 700 children, including 60 children with special needs.
These children come from destitute, marginalized, and underprivileged backgrounds in nearby villages, where access to quality education is often a distant dream.
Empowering Through Education
Education at Bodhi Tree School goes beyond the traditional curriculum. The school aims to empower children with knowledge, skills, and values that will help them break the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves and their communities.
The curriculum is designed to cater to the holistic development of each child, fostering intellectual, emotional, and social growth.
Promoting Gender Equality
Bodhi Tree School is dedicated to promoting gender equality in a region where this issue remains a challenge. The school ensures that boys and girls have equal access to education, actively encouraging the enrolment of girls.
To address the problem of child marriage, the school has implemented a mandatory parental agreement, which commits parents to not marry off their daughters until they complete their education and are at the legal age of 18. This initiative has been highly successful, with no child marriages occurring in the past five years.
Inclusivity and Special Needs Education
One of the standout features of Bodhi Tree School is its commitment to inclusivity.
The school provides specialized education and care for 60 children with special needs, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to thrive.
This inclusive approach not only benefits the children with special needs but also teaches all students the values of empathy, understanding, and acceptance.
Compassion and Kindness to Plants and Animals
At Bodhi Tree School, students learn compassion and kindness by caring for plants and animals on the school grounds.
This hands-on experience teaches them to respect and nurture all living things, fostering a sense of responsibility. These values spread to the wider community, encouraging families to adopt more sustainable and humane practices. As a result, the community becomes more empathetic and environmentally conscious, promoting a culture of care and respect for nature.
Community Impact and Outreach Bodhi Tree School is more than just an educational institution; it is a pillar of the community.
The school actively engages with local villages, working to uplift and support families through various initiatives. These include health camps, vocational training programs for parents, and awareness campaigns on important social issues.
Sustainability and Future Goals
The foundation is committed to sustainability and continually seeks ways to enhance its impact.
Current and future projects include the installation of off-grid solar panels to reduce the school’s carbon footprint and ensure a reliable power supply.
Plans are also in place for achieving self-sustainability by growing fruits, vegetables, and harvesting wheat and rice.
Additionally, the foundation aims to build eco-friendly accommodations for international guests, further promoting its vision of a sustainable future.
A Legacy of Compassionate Education
Dwarko Sundrani’s legacy lives on through the Bodhi Tree Educational Foundation.
His vision of a compassionate, educated, and empowered society is being realized through the tireless efforts of the foundation’s staff, volunteers, and supporters.
The foundation invites individuals and organizations to join in this noble cause, to help nurture the seeds of knowledge and compassion, and to create a brighter future for the children Bodhi Tree School.
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And experience one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
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