A Simple Problem, A Community-Led Solution
In Maheshpur village, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, a small primary school with 40 children faced a recurring challenge every monsoon. The handpump and toilets outside the classrooms became inaccessible due to mud and slippery conditions, forcing many children to miss school during the rainy season.
Faced with this issue, the Goonj team engaged the villagers in a discussion, encouraging them to collectively find a sustainable solution—one that would ensure that children’s education remained uninterrupted.
Coming Together for a Shared Cause
Through Goonj’s ‘School to School’ (S2S) and ‘Cloth for Work’ (CFW) initiatives, the community decided to repair the school premises themselves, ensuring a safe environment for their children.
Villagers working together to strengthen the school ground
Over 30 villagers worked collectively to:
- Strengthen the 50-feet-long and 30-feet-wide school ground using concrete and cement.
- Ensure safer access to the handpump and toilets for the children, even during the monsoon season.
- Contribute labor and time while the school provided cement for the construction.
Beyond Repairs – Cultivating Learning Through Nature
As part of the initiative, the villagers also decided to plant flowers around the school compound. This became an opportunity for children to learn about different plant species, how to care for them, and the importance of the environment.
This small yet meaningful addition turned the school into a more vibrant and engaging space, where children could not only study but also develop a deeper connection with nature.
Children learning about plants in their newly developed school garden
The Power of Collective Action
The change of this school is a testament to the strength of community-led efforts. Under Goonj’s Cloth for Work initiative, local development is not dependent on external aid—instead, it is driven by the people themselves, using their own resources and wisdom.
As one villager reflected:
“When we come together, challenges become easier to overcome. This school is our children’s future, and we are proud to have made it better for them.”
A Step Towards Sustainable Change
The story of Maheshpur’s school renovation is just one example of how small actions, led by communities, create long-term impact.
When people take ownership of their challenges, they also take charge of their solutions.
The renovated school premises after the repair work
Be part of this movement
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
