Hariharananda Balashram School

Hariharananda Balashram ("Balashram") was originally set up as a shelter for destitute children from Orissa, who lost their parents and relatives during the cyclone and flood disaster of 1999. This event was one of the most devastating natural catastrophes that India has ever known. According to UNICEF more than 3.3 million children were affected and around 48,000 persons died.

The aim of Balashram which is entering its seventh year of operation is to give a home and good schooling to these under-privileged children. An act of charity on our part gives them an opportunity they would not otherwise have. The current 200 children are growing up beautifully in all areas of their lives; academically, creatively, physically, socially, morally and spiritually. Balashram is providing them with a solid foundation for the future. The children are taught through English, and receive an education that is both practical and academic.

Balashram, situated in a rural area, 80kms from Cuttack, is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in Delhi. Four languages are taught including English, Hindi, Oriya and Sanskrit. Practical instruction is also received in diverse fields such as gardening, handicrafts and cooking. Any extra curricular activities, such as spiritual classes, are determined by a Governing Body, constituted with regards to the norms established by the CBSE, and duly approved by the Central Board of Secondary Education.

Every year an additional group of 30/40 children will be accepted. Balashram will ultimately accommodate a total of 480 boys and girls from the ages of 4 to 18 years.

Balashram opened its doors on 29th of July 2004 and the first nursery class started in August 2004 and is run by a teacher and two assistants. The first 34 children were chosen from orphanages and isolated villages in the poorest districts of Orissa by a special committee set up by the Prajnana Mission. Teachers and caretakers are selected by a committee, composed of 15 members, according to their academic qualifications and live at Balashram. A Board of Trustees ensures that Balashram meets all its educational aims and objectives.

Balashram needs urgent funding to ensure that the ongoing construction needed to house children and teachers is completed. The property has 10 acres (4 ha) and includes one building and a playground of 2 ½ acres. In order to meet the long-term goal for a student capacity of 480 pupils, the original building has already being remodelled and enlarged into a three-story building.

With your help, the following construction works will be completed:

Nursery, Boys Hostel, Girls Hostel, Staff Quarters, Dining Hall, Kitchen, Store, Generator and Watchman Sheds and Laboratory

Future Works for which funding is also required include:

Health Centre, Fresh Water and Sewage Management Systems, Sports Complex, Vocation Workshop/Training Centre

Additional financial support is also needed for furniture, fixtures, etc as well as day to day running costs (books, equipment, food, salaries, etc.).

A contribution of £25 (Eur30, USD40) provides one month of support for a child and a contribution of £270 (Eur300, USD430) supports for a child for a whole year.

Thank you very much for your kind support! Your donation will help these children help themselves who will in turn benefit the future societies in which they live and serve.