Ram Rahees, RAS Public School, Lucknow
Ram Rahees, a young graduate full of ambition, dared to make a positive impact on society by starting his own venture. With a firm belief in the power of education to drive progress and uplift communities, he entered on a journey to establish RAS Public School in 2001, utilizing his own property for the cause. “I was just 25 when I started the school, with a simple desire to provide education to the entire neighborhood,” he recalls. Inspired by his philosophy of bringing education closer to the community, Ram took the bold step of founding the school, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to make a difference in his village. “We started the school because we wanted to make a difference in our village. Education was the key, and we decided to unlock its potential,” he explains. His vision was clear: to tap into each child’s potential for success and pave the way for a brighter future through literacy and empowerment.
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Gathering Parent’s Confidence
Looking back on the beginnings of the school, Ram remembers, “We struggled to collect fees because many parents didn’t see the value in educating their children here.” He adds, “Our focus was on convincing every parent that education was crucial for their children’s future.” Despite the challenges, Ram shares, “It was tough, but gradually they began to support us, some even paying three months’ fees in advance.” This shows the transformation in mindset within the community, as they recognized the significance of education and rallied behind the school’s mission.
School During The Pandemic
Ram reflects, “In rural areas, financial instability often affects parents’ incomes. We understood this, allowing flexibility with fees. Our connection with parents is our strength.”Â
Facing the challenge of COVID-19 was tough for the school, leading to temporary closure due to a lack of internet access. “When the school reopened during the outbreak, barely 20% of students returned at first,” Ram recalls. “But I persisted in parent counseling, utilizing phone calls, emails, and virtual sessions.” Despite the obstacles, Ram notes with determination, “Despite the difficulties, parental support was unwavering.”
Ram emphasizes, “In rural areas, financial instability often affects parents’ incomes.” He adds, “We understood this, allowing flexibility with fees. Our connection with parents is our strength.” This flexibility and understanding helped maintain strong bonds with the community, even during challenging times.
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Varthana’s Role: A Catalyst for GrowthÂ
In a challenging period, Varthana stepped in as a crucial partner. Ram acknowledges, “Connecting with Varthana last year was a turning point for us.” He continues, “Their support ensured a smooth process, and the funds we received helped us to add more classrooms and expand our school.”
Varthana’s involvement extended beyond financial assistance. Ram highlights, “Varthana understood our school’s vision and mission.” A representative from Varthana expresses, “We believe in empowering educators like Ram Rahees, who are dedicated to making a difference in the education sector. Our collaboration aims to uplift schools and, consequently, communities.” This collaboration signifies a shared dedication to enhancing education and uplifting communities together.
A Vision for Tomorrow: Expanding HorizonsÂ
As of now, R A S Public School boasts 18 classrooms and a playground. Ram envisions more for the future. “Our next plan is to purchase new land for further expansion. We want to reach more children and continue being a beacon of education in our community,” he declares with determination.Â
The story of R A S Public School, guided by the leadership of Ram, showcases the transformative power of education in even the most challenging circumstances.
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