In the Hills of Chamoli, a New Kind of Bank Is Taking Shape
In the quiet hill district of Chamoli, Uttarakhand, challenges to education go beyond just distance or internet access. In a small primary school, the issue was more fundamental: students were dropping out because they couldn’t afford simple school supplies like notebooks, pencils, water bottles, and bags.
These gaps widened further during the pandemic, threatening to undo years of progress in school attendance and retention.
A First Response: School Kits That Go Beyond the Basics
Goonj’s School to School (S2S) initiative responded by reaching out with comprehensive school kits. Each kit included essential learning materials—textbooks, writing tools, aasanas (sitting mats), and even handkerchiefs—to meet students where they were and ease the financial strain on their families.
But this story doesn’t end here.
Children with school kits in Chamoli
When Students Asked for Safety, a “School Bank” Was Born
A few months later, students approached their teacher with a heartfelt concern:
“We keep losing our stationery and books. Can someone help us keep it safe?”
This small request led to a big idea. With assistance from the school and Goonj, the concept of a School Bank was born—a secure, structured space where students could deposit their educational materials and access them when required.
This innovation allowed children to:
- Share school resources in a monitored setting
- Minimize loss and damage of materials
- Develop ownership and accountability
How the School Bank Works
The School Bank is run by two school elders (teachers), assisted by Goonj’s field team. The process is simple yet has profound:
- Students “deposit” their materials at the bank.
- A record is maintained at both the school and the local Goonj office.
- Items are safely stored and distributed when needed.
Over time, this initiative became more than a logistical solution—it became a symbol of community-led education access.
Collective Ownership, Shared Dignity
By placing ownership of educational resources in the hands of students themselves, the School Bank instils values far beyond learning:
- Responsibility: Students learn to care for shared materials
- Financial relief: Parents no longer bear the burden of replacing supplies
- Resilience: A simple system keeps learning consistent, even during disruptions
Materials stored at the School Bank in Chamoli
Be a Part of Change
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..
