Rotary Rourkela Queens transforms a school

The journey of Rotary Rourkela Queens, RID 3261, with Asha Deep School began through an unexpected connection. While working on the LN-4 project, we crossed paths with Ram Chandra Behera, chairman of RRRC (Regional Rehabilitation and Research Centre), Rourkela. During one of our discussions, he reached out to our club advisor, Ajay Agarwal, asking if we could assist Asha Deep School, which was in urgent need of support. He brought the proposal to our club, and we immediately embraced it.

Upon visiting the school, we felt an immediate, deep connection with the children and realised that they needed better support, not just in terms of learning but also transportation. To address their pressing need, our club first donated a ‘Sarthi e-auto’ to help transport the children to school, ensuring they had a safe and reliable way to attend classes. This donation significantly eased the children’s daily commute and was an essential step in supporting their education. We then turned our attention to improving the school’s infrastructure. Recognising that the children deserved a better environment for learning, we began planning to upgrade the facilities. Under the leadership of past president Kiran Arora, we initiated the construction of a new classroom and essential sanitation facilities, including three new toilets.

With every request that comes from the school, we rise to meet the challenge, knowing that each contribution helps enhance the lives of the children.

In August 2024, the new classroom and toilets were inaugurated by DG Akhil Mishra, along with assistant governor Sanjay Purohit, in the presence of club president Barkha Gupta, treasurer Ruchita, DGN Alam Singh Roopra, club advisor Ajay Agarwal, Sarang Bhide and the teachers of Asha Deep School. Their presence underscored the collective effort that drives Rotary’s mission.

Our club members are happy that this project will have a lasting impact on the children. The newly-built ­classroom now provides a safe and inspiring space for learning, while the toilets meet critical hygiene needs, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable environment for the students.

The teachers of the school freely voice their need and RC Rourkela Queens members remain committed to addressing them. With every request that comes from the school, we rise to meet the challenge, knowing that each contribution helps enhance the lives of the children. Whether it is infrastructure, transportation or healthcare, we strive to meet their needs, ensuring a brighter future for these students. Our support for the school is ongoing, and we are always ready to assist in any way we can and we will continue to work tirelessly to create a positive and lasting impact.

Ram Chandra Behera is grateful for the club’s unwavering commitment, and said that both the e-auto and the new infrastructure will greatly benefit the children. Our commitment to this school extends beyond infrastructure. We recently organised a dental checkup camp for the children, where they received paediatric care, psychiatric support, speech therapy and physiotherapy. Additionally, we provided much-needed medicines to those in need, ensuring that the children receive proper healthcare alongside their education. Every initiative with these children leaves us deeply fulfilled, knowing we are positively contributing to their growth and development.

DG Mishra commended our club’s dedication and highlighted the importance of supporting special schools like Asha Deep, reinforcing Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.

The writer is secretary of RC Rourkela Queens