Founded in 2016 by Priya Nadkarni and Digvijay Singh, the Riverside Natural School in Madhya Pradesh aims to fulfil the educational aspirations of tribal children from remote rural areas. Located in a remote village in Mandla district, the school accommodates over 300 tribal students, providing them with education, accommodation, nutrition, and training in football, farming, and technology. Nadkarni highlighted the lack of educational access, role models, quality teachers, technology, and widespread malnutrition in these villages, emphasizing the need to change the prevalent belief that education leads only to agricultural work after 12 years.
Nadkarni's journey to social development began after working in finance journalism and investment banking. Her stint at Prada introduced her to Singh, leading to their collaboration on skill training projects for tribal youth. Observing the youth's limited education and urban adaptation skills, Nadkarni recognized the need for fundamental changes in education, prompting the establishment of Riverside Natural School under the Merida Education and Welfare Society.
The school, following the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education's curriculum, focuses on holistic development and offers specialization in football, farming, and technology from Class 6 onwards. It partners with platforms like Coursera for technology education and organizes farm visits for hands-on farming experience. The school's football team has achieved notable success, with Nadkarni aiming for 80% employment, higher education, or entrepreneurship among students after completing Class 12.
The school's growth from 30 to over 300 students, with a hostel capacity of 147, reflects its impact. While day scholars come from nearby areas, the hostel ensures a conducive learning environment and proper nutrition, supported by partnerships with Zomato's Feeding India meal program. The school's fee structure accommodates underprivileged students with free education and hostel stay, while tuition scholarships support others. Wealthy individuals and organizations like Adore Foundation and Inn oven provide funding.
The majority of students aspire to start earning quickly, facilitated by the school's internship opportunities with companies like Soho. Through its initiatives, Riverside Natural School strives to empower tribal children for a better future.
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