Earning from Learning

Loni Kale is the village 2 KM away from the main road and has population of about 1200. Loni Kale has an elementary school of standard 1st to 7th. Aflatoon program has been successfully running in the school of Loni Kale for last two years. Mr. Nikam sir, one of the teachers of school working under Aflatoon program, has taken many initiatives to increase the awareness among students. One of such initiatives helped students to learn to save money by instilling the entrepreneurial mindset in them. In this event, students were asked to cook different food items by themselves and sell those items to their friends in the school. Students then deposited the money they got by selling food items into Aflatoon bank. We specially want to mention about Ms. Samrudhi, a student who participated in the initiative of Aflatoon program. She prepared a food item which cost her Rs. 24/- . Due to her intelligence and presence of mind, she sold the same food item at Rs. 34/- . Hence, she earned the overall maximum profit of Rs. 10/- which she deposited in the Aflatoon bank. Nikam sir got help from other teachers and parents of students in this initiative. Mr. Bali sir takes care of Aflatoon bank while Mr.Tonde Sir helps students in reciting poems of Aflatoon. This initiative helped students to earn money on their own and inculcate the entrepreneurial skills in them. More students of standard 5th to 7th are joining school because of such different initiatives taken by Aflatoon. Mr. Raju Kale, Head of Management of school, is pretty positive about the Aflatoon and feels fortunate that such events are implemented in his school.

Aflatoon teaches us to grow plants

Malegao is the small tribal village, 15 KM away from the main road, having population of about 1500 of which only 5-10% population is literate. Malegao has a district level school, running standard 1st to 7th. Aflatoon program has been running in the school from last year. Initially, many teachers were hesitant to go to this school due to dire state of the village and the school. Situation of the school has started changing when Mr. Jine Sir learnt about the Aflatoon and started implementing various Aflatoon programs in the school. Aflatoon started saving bank in the school. Aflatoon undertook various initiatives which taught students to take care of environment. Students reacted to environment programs in a positive way and got closer to environment. Students, in return, taught about environment to their family members. As a result of this, number of people cutting trees for their living started using wood efficiently and responsibly. Another important instance that we would like to share is about the garden that students grew near the school. Students planted trees near the school. Every student took the responsibility of one tree and got the water for that tree from home. Student used to get water bottle from their home having holes at the bottom and keep it to the base of trees. This worked as a natural water sprinklers. This helped in growing the lush green garden near the school. This incident helped to spread good word about school. School got recognition from people and higher authorities. Jine Sir also started one program which worked towards making students attend school regularly. This has increased the attendance of the school. All this has given a positive direction to school.

Aakash became self-reliant

Z P School Khiroda Aakash Pakhre is from poor family .His father works as a daily labour. His family is in the dire financial situation. He finds it difficult to continue school because of his financial situation. One day Mr. Gokhale , teacher of Aakashs school, told students about small businesses that student can do as a part of Aflatoon program. He said Students should not only look for saving money but should also save water. They can also use saved water to cultivate small garden. This will help them to grow healthy food and to earn some money. Aakash was interested in the program mentioned by Gokhle Sir but he was wondering where to get the initial money from. Gokhle sir asked him to use Rs. 400/- deposited by him in the Aflatoon bank. Akash wanted to cultivate garden to help his family financially and also to use money for his own education. Initially, he did not get support from his family and school friends. But he was adamant about his decision and started cultivating food grains on the empty space near his house. In few days, Akash was successful in cultivating garden by his sheer hard work. He started earning money from the garden and provided the financial support to his family. He also became selfdependent for his school related expenses which allowed him to continue his school. Aakash used to earn Rs. 800/- per month out of which Rs. 200/- he used to deposit to Aflatoon bank. This initiative by Aflatoon gave a new direction to Aakashs life. Now his friends and family are acknowledging his efforts. Aakash earned the self respect through his work. He has become more responsible and learnt to take decision by keeping future in mind. He has also motivated his friends to grow their own garden and become self-reliant.