Cabin Schools of Pune

For many children in the slums of Sangvi, Pune, the idea of sitting in a classroom and learning the alphabet was once a distant dream. But today, that dream is turning into a reality, thanks to the ‘cabin school’ set up by the Rotary Club of Pimpri, RID 3131.

“There is no fixed syllabus or grade here. School dropouts, children, even adults can simply walk in and start learning to read and write,” says club president Santosh Giranje. The Porta Cabin School, as it is called, was set up in 2024 after the club witnessed firsthand how children in these slums were squandering their lives when they should have been in school. “It is a classic case of an idle mind becoming a devil’s workshop. When children do not have a purpose in life, they get easily attracted to habit-forming vices, or resort to begging for easy money. The thought literally gave us sleepless nights. That’s when we brainstormed and came up with this idea of a rudimentary school that would spark their interest in learning,” he explains.

Set up inside a repurposed shipping container, the school stands on an open ground in New Sangvi, Pimpri-Chinchwad. Teachers from the Jan Seva Foundation with whom the club is associated for several years, conduct classes “in a fun way so that they all look forward to coming back every day.” Lessons in Marathi, Hindi and Math are taught using a white board and colourful charts depicting alphabets, numbers and basic science concepts.

Currently around 50 children from the locality attend these classes. “Their parents are relieved that their children are spending time learning, rather than idling in the streets. Most of these children have never been to any formal school. Here they start from the basics — alphabets in English and Marathi, and simple arithmatic,” says Giranje. Books, uniforms and stationery are provided to the children, and the staff organise games to nurture camaraderie and teamwork. “They live in an environment where poverty, illiteracy and tension prevail. In such conditions, it is crucial for them to remain calm; their discipline and poise should inspire the adults around them,” he explains.

When children do not have a purpose in life, they get easily attracted to habit-forming vices, or resort to begging for easy money. The thought literally gave us sleepless nights.

The school runs bridge classes for about 20 teenagers who had dropped out of formal education. The Jan Seva staff coach them for entrance exams and facilitate their re-admission into mainstream schools. “Last year one of our students cleared her higher secondary exams and we helped her get a scholarship for college. Another boy, an alumnus of this school, completed his diploma and is currently employed. His mother, a domestic worker, is overjoyed that his future is secure,” says the club president with pride.

Children aged 6–16 are admitted into the cabin school, where apart from academics, they also attend workshops on self defence, menstrual hygiene, safe touch and cultural behaviour. Older students even step up to conduct classes for the younger ones. Under the club’s Nanhe Kadam initiative, refurbished bicycles are gifted to deserving children who travel long distances to school. Medical camps are organised regularly to screen children for anaemia, eye disorders and dental hygiene. The club distributes nutrition-rich food to the students regularly.

Enthused by the success of this school, the club has installed Porta Cabin Schools in three other slum localities in Pune. Bondioli and Pavesi India, manufacturers of agricultural machinery based in Navi Mumbai, is the corporate partner. DGN Nitin Dhamale, a member of the club, is an active supporter of this project.

The Happy Villages project is our pride, and every incoming president commits to sustaining it.

Beyond education, the Jan Seva team also helps local residents, many of them illiterate, to open bank accounts, apply for essential documents such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and get LPG connections. “Our next goal is to start vocational training for youth. Classes in tailoring, electrical and mechanical courses are being planned. We are determined to rewrite their future,” he says.

The club’s impact extends beyond the slums. Under its flagship Happy Villages project, it has adopted Kharpud and Khopewadi, two remote tribal villages near Bhimashankar in the Sahyadri Hills. “Over a decade ago, the village sarpanch requested our help to provide water. Although the region gets good rainfall, it does not have proper storage facilities. So these villages enjoy sufficient water only for four months after which the groundwater depletes,” recalls Dhananjay Bhinge, the project director.

With global grant support, the club built farm ponds and check dams. Seeds, cattle and fruit saplings were distributed to the villagers. The club tied up with BAIF Development Research Foundation to train them in modern farming techniques. Tata Motors supported the club’s endeavour by providing ₹15 lakh for group wells. The progress has been deeply satisfying, beams Giranje. “Our members visit the villages every month to assess their evolving needs. The Happy Villages project is our pride, and every incoming president commits to sustaining it. Recently we installed a solar pump to draw water from the check dams directly to households.”

The club has renovated the two schools common to these villages and annually provides educational kits, uniforms and footwear to the students. “We support the higher education of meritorious students and help them pursue diploma or graduate courses in city colleges,” says Bhinge. Some of these students have even secured apprenticeships at Tata Motors, earning an annual pay package of around ₹3 lakh.

Most of these children have never been to any formal school. Here they start from the basics — alphabets in English and Marathi, and simple arithmetic.

Medical camps are also organised in these villages. In April, the club identified 25 villagers in need of cataract surgery and facilitated their treatment at H V Desai Eye Hospital, providing transportation and food for patients and caregivers.

Bhinge, who has been overseeing the project for six years, is now a well-known figure in both the villages. “His continuity in the project has made a big difference. He knows the villages and their needs inside out,” says Giranje.

Eight years ago, the club, along with the Jan Seva Foundation and Cello as CSR partner, had dramatically transformed two villages in Velhe and Bhor taluks. Around 300 toilets were constructed in these villages. “We upgraded the schools with smart classes, classroom furniture and sanitation facilities.” Check dams were constructed and this is helping the villagers cultivate more crops. The club is still organising medical camps, both for the villagers and livestock.