The Savitri Waney Charitable Trust has been supporting a small school in Sirasu, in the mountainous region of Uttaranchal state, Northern India since Mr. Arjun Waney, the founder of our trust, came across the school when on holiday in the area in January 2000. 

Sirasu village is approximately 25 km north of Rishikesh and access is via boat across the Ganges and then a short walk up the mountainside. There is a population of approximately 500 people and 120 children are registered at the school.

Uma taking Morning classes outside in the sunshine.

At the time that Mr Waney first visited the school, it was in a very poor condition. The building was dilapidated and there were just two government teachers in place for the 80 students. There was no proper drainage system and the toilets were perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. Younger children who were not registered in the school were found interrupting the classes. 

A number of changes were immediately initiated to enhance the quality of education for the children in the village and create a conducive atmosphere for learning.  

Girls proudly showing off their work at the after-school needle work class.

These include: 

• the construction of six new classrooms.
• beginning a nursery class for three and a half to four and a half old children.
• the hiring of an extra teacher to teach 1^st and 2^nd standards.
• provision of two water tanks.
• provision of uniforms and shoes for each child at the school.
• provision of mats and desks.

Attendance at the school is now regular and student numbers have increased from 80 to 120.

Message from The President of Sirasu and Kota villages

Mrs Bhavani Devi

" I, Bhawani Devi, President of Sirasu village along with all the villagers of Sirasu are finally thankful to the Savitri Waney Charitable Trust for their excellent work for the village.

The construction of new school buildings, the construction of toilets, the recruitment of new teachers for all the classes are really excellent activities carried out by the Trust. We thank the trust straight from our hearts. "

Mission for vision

Pain & Palliative care

Sirasu development project

Savitri rural development project

Committed communities development trust

The David Sassoon School

I don't have words to express my feelings about the Trust. They have changed my life by making it easier than I ever expected! I would like to thank the Trust from my heart for constructing toilets outside my residence. Previously it was difficult for me to go to the toilet but now I don't have any difficulty. It also helps in keeping the surroundings clean and safe. I also like the trust's other work especially in the field of education and the way in which it encourages self-dependency by providing electrician's training and sewing classes. I wish all the best to the trustees of the Trust and ask them to keep doing good work for needy people (Jodh Singh - Villager who is disabled)

All the residents of Sirasu village are benefiting a great deal from the Savitri Waney Charitable Trust for example in running of the nursery classes for small children and the establishment of classes for 6th to 8th standard. Previously students had to walk to Kota school for these classes which is very far from here so now the villagers are very motivated to send their children to school. (Prithvi Pal Singh)