“In India, the median number of years of education girls from the poorest families receive is zero, compared to 9.1 years for girls from the richest families. - NFHS 4”
“UNESCO estimates that each year of schooling raises earnings by around 10% for men and up to 20% for women.”
This is the status-quo your donation will change. We invite you to join us in sponsoring the education of 200 children from rural Cuddalore for the year 2022-23.

Who are we?

ASSEFA (Association of Sarva Seva Farms) was set up in 1980 to put to good use the lands collected during the Bhoodan movement led by Acharya Vinobha Bhave. ASSEFA started more than 100 schools in rural Tamil Nadu. In 2005, 5 schools were started in the tsunami - affected rural and coastal Cuddalore. These schools were set up to create a supportive environment to nurture children, disadvantaged by systemic, man-made and natural oppression.
Kanavu was started in 2017, with an aim to nurture these ASSEFA schools and communities as spaces that support families and children to realize their dreams, irrespective of circumstance. Kanavu’s pillars of work are Education and Community development. In the community development front, we offer three programs to women from rural communities namely, Livelihoods (Sura), Skill development and Awareness program (Kaytu Paar).

What is the education you will help create in our schools?

For the 700 families we serve through 4 affordable private schools along the coast of Cuddalore, we envision a path where children receive holistic education sustainably. Irrespective of mode of learning, be it remote learning through our online program during the pandemic or in-person learning, we have driven this through our teachers and school leaders.
As schools have reopened, we see potential in setting up rich learning environments for them. We’re setting out to deliver holistic education through a dedicated arts program and rural libraries in addition to academic learning that children receive.

Why are we seeking funds?

Rural communities in poverty are faced with reverse migration and loss of livelihood. The Covid-19 situation compounds existing inequalities such as poor access to transportation, essential goods, credit and also irregular income. Hence, they need greater support to tide over the current Covid-19 crisis - both in the short term and the long term. We believe that a child should not lose access to holistic learning because of these circumstances.

Know more about our work