India, September 2009

Gumiguda School in rural India is one of Outreach International’s brightest examples of the transforming power of education. It is where your donations have supported 1690 students and staff for 30 years. The first children who attended are now sending their own children to school there, because education transformed their lives. But the work continues … 

An Earlier Generation

Eliseba grew up in a mud home with a thatched roof because her parents were uneducated day laborers and subsistence farmers. Meals were only rice, with meat just once a month. They barely had furniture, clothes, or utensils.

“But they knew the value of education,” Eliseba would tell you. “So my brothers and I went to Gumiguda School, with help from Outreach International. I graduated and got my dream: a government job. So I provide a good life for my children and send all four of them to Gumiguda,” she glows.

Pitar’s story is very similar. The son of poor, uneducated farmers, he lived in a small home with no drinking water and no protein for meals.

“But I was able to attend Gumiguda School and then higher education which led to a village leader post. That education built my career and my character.” All of Pitar’s school-aged children now attend school because of the generous support of Outreach International donors.

The Next Generation

Now we are at Gumiguda School at lunchtime, talking with Rashmi and Susanta in their bright uniforms. This girl and boy have big dreams.

“I graduate this year,” Rashmi says, her eyes wide and serious. “Then I will train 8 years as a nurse. That is my dream.” “And I have one more year to graduate,” says Susanta. “Then I have 5 more years of school to become a teacher.”

Rashmi’s father graduated from Gumiguda and sent all his children there, too. Susanta’s parents cannot afford to send his siblings to school. “But they support what I’m doing,” Susanta says.

Asked what they value most about getting an education, Rashmi answers first: “I used to think an education was only reading and writing, but I have learned manners, friendship, and morality. Those not in school do physical labor and look after their younger siblings. But I am learning about the world.” Susanta agrees. “At home I could not read or write, but now I can. And I have confidence to talk with others.”

So, we ask, will you send your own children to school? “Definitely!” Rashmi exclaims, “So they can learn more about our country and the world.” “Yes,” agrees Susanta. “Because education can change your life.”