The Melton foundation entered into a partnership with the government school at Avalahalli, Yelahanka in February 2007. The Avalahalli government school has classes 1 to 5 and 3 rooms to conduct its classes in. As can be imagined the teachers at Avalahalli were overjoyed to see engineering students volunteering to help the school in the long term. Since then there has been no looking back and the Melton foundation’s relationship with the school has strengthened over the months.
Initially Melton fellows taught conversational English and computer classes during the vacations. The classes took into consideration the background of the students studying in Avalahalli and their weaknesses. It was observed that English was the biggest weakness of the students. The computer classes were enjoyed by the students and they showed a high level of interest in all the classes that were conducted by the Melton fellows. The Melton fellows also spoke about issues like importance of continuing education, the career options available etc.
Students in Avalahalli
In October 2007 a system for involving non-Meltonites in the project at Avalahalli was implemented with great success. The new initiative allowed non-Meltonites to teach in the school and ensured a regular number of classes per week for the school. It also gave an opportunity for students of BMSIT interested in social service to make a start.
Looking ahead there are many more projects in store for the overall development of the Avalahalli government school. These include donation of a computer, improving the electrical systems in the school, further expansion of the project to involve more non-Meltonites etc. The Avalahalli project is an achievement the Melton fellows will always be proud of and it is also an inspiration for other social service projects.
