Bridges to Understanding
At the beginning of 2010, RDF partnered with Bridges to Understanding to develop a Youth Empowerment class in our schools. Bridges to Understanding is a nonprofit organization based out of Seattle that uses digital storytelling as a medium for self-expression and cultural exchange among students across the world. The curriculum is used in RDF schools to encourage students to explore issues in their local communities.
EuroSchool
RDF started a partnership with Hyderabad-based EuroSchool in 2009 when they donated educational materials to our schools. The relationship has now progressed to on in which knowledge and skills are shared between the schools. RDF teachers and staff have visited EuroSchool to observe their school programs and teaching methodology and has hosted EuroSchool teachers on visits to our schools. RDF has also attended and partaken in EuroSchool’s annual cultural program.
The Rubin Foundation
In 2008, RDF received a grant from the Rubin Foundation in New York to develop a program with the intent of maintaining aspects of culture that are in danger of dying out. RDF developed a program in which students learn the traditions of the local Lambadi culture such as mirror embroidery, dance, and storytelling. Many of these traditions are at risk of disappearing as the Lambadi give up their nomadic lifestyle and the project has proven a great way to educate students about a local culture and to pass on many of the techniques in an interesting and interactive setting.
Silver Oaks School
RDF’s partnership with Silver Oaks School, based in Hyderabad, began in 2006 when RDF teachers started visiting their school to observe teaching techniques and methodology. In 2009, Silver Oaks began a fundraising campaign in which a select group of students and teachers visit RDF where they participate in a balamela and then report back to the entire school, which then raises money to donate. Both the fundraisers and the exchange visits have been great successes and proven very beneficial to both schools. In more recent times, Silver Oaks School has been assisting in transition from Telegu to English Medium in the RDF Kalleda and RDF Matendla Schools.
Centre for Better Teachers (CfBT)
RDF started working with CfBT in 2003. Over the past years they have led multiple trainings for our teachers focused on enhancing their teaching skills. In May of 2010, CfBT began working with us to implement a transition to English medium in our schools. The level of our teachers’ English and teaching methods continues to improve thanks to CfBT.
Washington University
The Village India Program was introduced in 1996. This program brings Washington University students to the RDF VAPV Junior College for one month each summer. During this time the WashU students teach classes to the JC students and participate in cultural activities in Kalleda Village and the surrounding area. The Village India Program is a great learning and cultural exchange that is always greatly enjoyed by both the American and Indian students.
India Rural Development Fund (IRDF)
The partnership between IRDF and RDF has existed since they were both founded in 1996. RDF implements projects on the ground in India, while IRDF focuses on raising funds in the US. IRDF provides an important funding source for RDF and we provide accountable and successful projects to benefit the rural poor of India.
