GANGTOK, : The 17000ft Foundation on Saturday inaugurated its Whole School
Transformation Project at Tumin Namrang Junior High School.
The
initiative includes the establishment of a solar-powered Digital Learning Lab,
a well-stocked library and a children’s park, alongside capacity building for
the school’s headmaster and teachers, aimed at creating a holistic and engaging
learning environment for students in the remote Tumin, informs a press release.
Since
its inception in 2012, 17000ft Foundation has implemented the Whole School
Transformation project in over 350 government schools across remote hamlets of
Ladakh and Sikkim, as part of its mission to strengthen isolated border
communities in the Indian Himalayas, through augmenting their education system
to foster our first line of defence.
The
project has been supported by IDBI Bank under its Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
“IDBI
Bank's pivotal role in sponsoring this project reflects its strong commitment
to equitable education and inclusive growth. Through their CSR support, IDBI
Bank is helping bridge the urban-rural divide by bringing high-quality learning
resources and infrastructure to students in even the most far-flung corners of
the country.”
The
inauguration ceremony was attended by Tumin Lingi MLA Samdup Tshering Bhutia as
the chief guest. In his address, the MLA highlighted the government’s support
for rural education.
Special
guest Nikunj Bharti, the regional head of IDBI Bank, reiterated the IDBI Bank’s
vision of inclusive growth and empowering communities through education.
The
solar-powered DigiLab will provide students of Tumin Namrang JHS with access to
personalised and adaptive digital content, bridging the digital divide. The
library, curated with age-appropriate books, will nurture a love for reading
and independent learning. Meanwhile, the children’s park offers students a
space for physical activity and social interaction, promoting overall
well-being.
Speaking
on the occasion, Phuntsog Namgyal Bhutia, State Head-Sikkim, 17000ft Foundation,
said: “Our mission has always been to ensure that children in remote frontier
regions of the Indian Himalayas receive the education they deserve and this
project is a testament to what can be achieved through meaningful collaboration
between civil society, corporate partners, and local government. With this
inauguration, on behalf of 17000ft Foundation, I look forward to making a
lasting impact and empowering the future of students from Tumin Namrang
JHS."
