‘Nurturing Potential, Inspiring Hope’
Jnana Prabodhini Harali (JPH) is an autonomous centre of Jnana Prabodhini Pune, a voluntary organisation active in many fields of national life. Founded by the late Dr V.V Pendse, an educationist and a visionary, it is inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. Its motto is ‘Man Making Education for Nation Building’.
The story of JPH started with the tragic earthquake which hit Southern Marathwada region in 1993. After completing the rehabilitation work, it started a school for the children from Harali and surrounding villages in 1995. That seed has grown into a massive tree. Today, the Harali campus is a ‘green’ oasis with thousands of 5000 trees, solar power generation and water management. It is a hub for many activities and projects, covering all aspects of rural development such as education, sustainable agriculture, water and energy, sanitation and health, skill development and women’s empowerment. It is a beacon of progress and hope in the region and has won many laurels for its path-breaking work.
School
There is a residential-cum-day school from LKG to 10th. 400 Students from diverse backgrounds study in a joyful atmosphere. Modern science and ancient traditions are taught hand in hand. Students learn computers, agriculture and technical skills so that they are future-ready for different career pathways. We emphasize problem-solving skills, collaboration, empathy and social awareness to inspire the future generation of change-makers.
Outreach Programs
Anandshala, an educational program for children from nomadic communities, is being conducted in 25 villages and tandas. STEM Programs such as Chhote Scientists and Chhote Engineers are being conducted for more than 2000 students from 40 schools. Kishor-Kishori Vikas, a special program for adolescent boys and girls reaches out to about 750 students.
Woman Empowerment
Despite the spread of school education, women continue to remain socio-economically vulnerable. Our Stree Shakti Prabodhan department conducts regular village level skilling classes to improve livelihood prospects. Swasthya Sanvad, a health awareness program for rural women, has seen more than 600 women participating regularly in monthly health meetings. Hirkani is an innovative program to educate mothers of Angnavadi children about the health and education of their children.
Agriculture
Rain-fed agriculture is the lifeline of this region, but it is plagued with declining productivity and climate change. JPH conducts a two-year diploma course in agri-technology and entrepreneurship for local youth. It also promotes sustainable agricultural practices among the local farmers. Projects such as organic inputs lab, agri-equipment bank, dal mill provide essential services to local farmers.
Water Conservation
Water scarcity is one of the biggest challenges in this region. JPH has been working tirelessly to strengthen groundwater sources, to improve water management and to raise awareness about water conservation. We have undertaken multiple programs for deepening and recharging of dugwells, construction of farm ponds and recharge pits, de-silting of streams, check dams and percolation tanks. We have conducted trainings on water budgeting in many villages. We have also constructed Ferro-cement drinking water Tanks in more than 25 villages. Our rural development work is now spread over 40 villages in four blocks.
The team
Team Harali has a judicious mix of professional senior management and motivated field staff. It consists of about 50 full-time employees and 60 part-time volunteers. Everyone is committed to our vision of transforming the face of this region.
The journey has just begun and the challenges are daunting. But we are confident that we will succeed. Come, partner with us in our dreams and together ‘WE SHALL OVERCOME’!
Contact Us
Centre-in-Charge: Abhijit Kapre [email protected]
Mob: 8888802638 www.jnanaprabodhini.org/harali
Address: Harali, Tal. Lohara, Dist. Dharashiv – 413604 (India)