Classrooms of Hope
Dhara’s eyes sparkle as she shares her dream of becoming a pilot. In Mota Ponda, a village of 950 people near Surat, Gujarat, such aspirations once seemed as distant as the planes Dhara watches overhead. But not anymore. Thanks to an initiative by Vapi Alpha Lions Club of District 3232-F2, Dhara’s dream is beginning to take flight.
Central to this change is Jeevan Chetna School, recently adopted by the club. Since then, the school has undergone a remarkable transformation, expanding from primary to secondary and higher secondary education with four new classrooms added for grades 9 to 12.
This expansion, valued at Rs.45 lakh, was made possible through a generous donation from Calibre Chemicals Pvt. Ltd, facilitated by Mr. Amit. Principal Shailesh Thorat, who donated the land for this development, sees it as a game-changer. “This upgrade opens doors not just for our village, but for surrounding areas too,” he explains.
The project goes beyond brick and mortar. Mrs. Bhumika Shah contributed a rainwater harvesting system at a cost of Rs.30,000, introducing students to sustainable practices.
Lion Vandana Jain’s seminar on hygiene for girls, along with a food distribution program, addressed crucial aspects of student well-being.
The impact ripples through the community, touching 200 female students and 12 teachers. District Governor Paresh Patel, Global Service Coordinator Priyanka Jain Raval, Vice District Governor Hemal Patel, DC – Water Harvesting Jitendra Desai, along with members of Vapi Alpha Lions Club and Vapi Unity Leo Club, have all played crucial roles in bringing this vision to life. As a Lion aptly summarizes: “The club has not just constructed classrooms, but is also building futures, one student at a time.”