In many cases, children from the slum villages have been able to attend school only sporadically. This can be attributed either to a lack of finances or the need for the child to work to help support the family. This means that the child is not able to do the school work appropriate for his or her grade level.

In order to prepare the child to do the work in his or her grade, Veda Ministries has established bridging schools. These schools are held under bamboo pavillions in the slum villages. The emphasis is on teaching the basics so that the child will be prepared for education at Veda Residential School.

While the emphasis is on bringing a teacher into the village, the development of the bridging schools also means that the children will have a wholesome noon meal (perhaps their only meal of the day) as well as access to medical care.

In a slum not far from the Veda Residential School campus, there are about 50 children who are currently in need of the benefits that a bridging school will bring. The total cost to set up the school - including the thatched bamboo shed, slates and books for the children, chalk board, cooking and eating utensils, an examination table for the doctor, and electricity for the school - is $1,500.

To keep the school operating it costs $750 each month. This provides the meal, salary for the teacher, medicines and a small amount for a part-time doctor. That's only $15 per child! To make a donation for the bridging school, click here.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

Veda Director, Dolly, interacts with some young students at a bridging school.