METSO, PLAN INDIA CATALYSING ALWAR’S TRANSFORMATION
Alwar is breaking out of the shadows of backwardness and finding its place in the sun with newfound energy, all thanks to the joint vision of Metso and Plan India
In the heart of Rajasthan, as the sun beats down mercilessly, signalling the arrival of summer, there is a change in the air springing from the inspiring social mission of Metso, which has teamed up with Plan India to empower the region’s disadvantaged communities and help them rise above their adversities. Their joint initiatives are making a remarkable difference across the social development landscape: Education, health, environment and sustainability. Result: Alwar is breaking out of the shadows of backwardness and finding its place in the sun with newfound energy. Welcome to Alwar and experience the summer of life through these inspiring real-life stories…
Set up by Metso and Plan India in 2013, the Model School Project in Alwar has established itself as a centre of excellence, constantly raising the bar not just in academics but also in health, sanitation, and fostering leadership via sports programs. This story of transformation has empowered 8,000 students in an enriching environment that opens a world of learning beyond textbooks, including physical wellness, environmental awareness, and leadership skills. Its success in empowering girls from marginalised communities is particularly inspirational, underlining education’s power to harbinger hope and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Metso and Plan India joined forces, responding to the critical need for comprehensive development of the young with holistic education, including health and sustainability. Mohammed Asif, social sector veteran and the Executive Director of Plan India, recalls the Eureka moment when the partnership clicked into place “METSO’s leadership started conversations with us about making a meaningful impact in Alwar,” reminisces Asif. “Like us, METSO’s leadership was particular that learning should be long term and sustainable, creating a lasting impact.” This meeting of minds led to a four-year partnership beginning in 2015, focused on an incremental approach to improving educational outcomes and creating a model for social transformation.
The partnership was founded on a participatory and collaborative model, focused on making a real difference across the education value chain, from upgrading WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) to enhancing the quality of education, particularly for girls, and strengthening school governance. Asif notes that the approach was about “understanding local issues, listening to key stakeholders and, eventually, charting a road map for the partnership. Sustained engagement of local communities was key.”
But why Alwar? “Alwar was a default choice not only because that’s where METSO was stationed, but also because there was enough data showing that the district lagged far behind the rest of the state on education and other social development indicators.”
(Top) Braiding the future: Sakshi’s smile at Bahua School - Under METSO and Plan India’s educational initiative
(Below) Clean hands, Brighter Futures: Dadar School students embrace WASH facilities by METSO for healthier habits
Kheshroli School’s BaLA murals transform concrete spaces into creative gateways for learning
Walk into Kheshroli School, and a burst of inviting colours greets you. Beautiful murals, painted by BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) lighting up the entrance, setting the tone for the vibrant learning environment within. This world is a far cry from what greeted Shakeel Ahmed, a lecturer, on his first day in 2019. “The walls were bare and worn, and essentials like a staff room and even a water cooler were missing.”
Of course, the story of the Kheshroli School is far more than its vibrant walls. Take the case of Shakeela, an Alwar girl from an impoverished family, for example. Without the means, her education appeared to have reached a dead end, leaving her dreams shattered. However, Metso’s scholarship program rekindled her dying hopes, funding her studies and helping her take a crack at the Rajasthan Police Constable exam. Shakeela’s remarkable story is a powerful testament to the programme’s power to catalyse change.
Metso and Plan India’s interventions have been far-reaching indeed, addressing the school’s infrastructure needs as well. Solar panels now ensure that the scorching heat does not hinder learning, while smart class projectors and LED panels bring the world to the students, igniting their imagination and making learning an engaging experience. All-in-one KYAN educational technology tools and IT labs equipped with AI-loaded computers ensure that no child in Kheshroli School is left behind in the digital race.
New opportunities are blossoming in this village that once struggled with the educational gaps faced by many farming communities. Thanks to new facilities, student retention has improved, and enrolment has doubled from 250 to 480 students. As word of Kheshroli’s remarkable success gets around, it is becoming a sought-after destination for quality education for students from neighbouring villages.
The change is far-reaching indeed. “Education used to take a backseat to farm work,” observes Shakeer. “Now, parents are keen to send their children to school and keep them there.” The improved facilities have fuelled enrolment and turned Kheshroli into a model for surrounding communities. “Our school is a testament to the power of support,” Shakeer says proudly
While the modern infrastructure is impressive, at the heart of the school are its dedicated teachers. Deepti Khandewaal, the English teacher, highlights a stark reality: “Having never stirred out of their villages, my students cannot relate to the relevance of the English language,” she says. And then, there is a broader issue: The compulsion of immediate needs invariably overshadows the appeal of education. “With parents struggling to make ends meet, they expect their children to work the farms and earn wages rather than spend time in school imbibing knowledge,” she says.
However, Deepti’s resolve remains unshaken. “The journey is long,” she asserts with a smile, “but we persevere.” A native of Alwar who returned after marriage, Deepti connects with her students on a personal level, inspired by a few who show a spark of passion for learning
Vijay Chauhan, the PTI teacher since 2015, offers another perspective. Arriving at Kheshroli School from Thane Wada, she initially noticed a gap in educational opportunities, particularly for girls. However, Vijay has witnessed an admirable shift. “The growth in the students over the years is evident,” she says. “When I first started, girls were a rare sight in class. Now, they not only participate equally but often excel in both academics and attendance.” Her voice beams with pride.
As she reflects on this positive shift, the lunchtime bell rings, sending a wave of excitement through the corridors. It is a Thursday, synonymous with Rajma Chawal—a treat the children eagerly look forward to.
Dhadholi School harnesses the power of the sun with solar panels for a brighter, greener future
Nutritious joy: Bahua School echoes with excitement on Rajma Chawal Thursdays
Solar panels now provide us with six hours of daily electricity, transforming the learning experience.” Her voice softens as she adds, “Metso and Plan India have embraced the school as a key part of their project initiatives, providing dedicated support and stewardship much like that of a guardian.
RETURNING TO ROOTS: SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM FUEL DREAMS
Our next meeting is with two gifted students interning at the school, Kiran Sharma, a school alumni now pursuing a B.Ed. and Karishma. Says Kiran: “I found hope here and have always wanted to pursue teaching. The scholarship was a passport to my dreams.” Reminiscing the days when the school lacked basic facilities, like proper sanitation, she marvels at its progress. She now waits eagerly for a role in the education sector, be it in a government or private institution. The school, for Kiran, remains a source of continuous learning from for the students and the staff.
Karishma, donning the twin hats of teacher and mentor, reflects on her unlikely journey enabled by the scholarship—a dream beyond her reach on her father’s income. An embodiment of perseverance and dedication, she is an inspiration to her two younger siblings.
Morning assembly at Mahatma Gandhi Senior Secondary School in Dadar Village
ALWAR’S YOUNG ATHLETES ON THE RISE
As the shadows lengthen on Alwar’s playgrounds, we find ourselves at a basketball court brimming with youthful energy and athletic activity. Here, under the guidance of PTI teacher Kapil Sain, students are sweating it out, their eyes set on achieving excellence. Monu Sharma, an 8th grader, recounts how he and his team prepared for their match against the Army School at the Pali state-level basketball tournament. “Our coach would get our training started at 4 am every day for weeks to prepare for the match.”
Next to the basketball court, Antara Alwariya, an 11th-grade student and footballer, recounts her ascent to the state-level competition in Bikaner for a face-off with the Ajmer Team. “We are a diverse team of 11 students, united by our passion for football,” she says, her passion evident.
EDUCATIONAL REVIVAL IN DADAR VILLAGE
On arrival at the Mahatma Gandhi Senior Secondary School in the Dadar village minutes ahead of the morning assembly at 10 am, we are greeted by the principal, Mrs Geeta, who leads a dedicated team of 21 staff members to guide 309 students. In Dadar, a village dogged by high crime rates and economic challenges hindering educational pursuits, the school stands as a signpost of hope. Mrs Geeta shares how a child’s eagerness for learning becomes a catalyst for parents to support their educational journey, even in a village known more for illicit liquor than for scholarly achievements.
The school, located at the edge of the village, has only recently expanded to the senior secondary level. Despite its handicaps, such as lack of discipline and ethical grounding of the students, Mrs Geeta works zealously to transform the institution. She has introduced smart classes and digital tools aimed at nurturing bright students armed for the future. “As the head of this institution, nothing can be more important to me than to strive for the benefit of our students,” a simple statement echoing her commitment to giving back to the community by enriching the lives of her pupils.
Antara Alwariya, 11th-grade student and basketball player, stands proudly on the ground transformed by Metso
The conversation leads us to Mrs Anita Sharma of Plan India, who has worked with the school since June 2022, identifying its needs and bridging gaps with practical solutions, often acting as a mediator between the school management, the School Management Committee (SMC), and Metso. The introduction of smart classes, for instance, compensates for teacher absences, ensuring uninterrupted learning. Anita Sharma’s commitment to the school is unmistakable and unwavering. Despite recent challenges, her determination to be actively involved and make a real impact demonstrates her deep dedication to the school’s mission.
n Dadar School, nestled within the bustling activity of eager learners, the Eco-Club stands out as a beacon of environmental stewardship and impeccable student leadership
Stepping into the classroom, we run into a bunch of young eco-club members, brimming with energy, eager to show us their latest project: reusable cloth bags promoting sustainability. In the corner is an eye-catching arrangement of bins – one each for dry, wet, and non-degradable waste. Preeti, an enthusiastic 8th grader, explains their purpose with a sense of pride that reflects the club’s passion for the cause of a greener future.
Sobha Sharma, who has nurtured the eco-club since 2021, speaks about the club’s work with local communities. “We hit the village streets, encouraging the locals to switch from single-use plastic to paper and cloth bags,” she says. Impressed by the cause, a local shopkeeper not only encouraged us to keep making bags but also promised to buy them.” This heart-warming response shows how a small, honest-to-heart initiative can move an entire community.
The Eco-Club campaigns for a new environmental cause each year, deepening its young members’ awareness of a range of issues, from plastic usage to water wastage. The club’s enthusiastic work has turned a school initiative into an exemplary example of environmental stewardship, rallying an entire community into collective action.
Saloni, from the Gondpur village, greets us with a bright smile and is happy to share her experience. Now, in the second year of her General Nursing and Midwifery programme, she vividly recalls the moment she received a scholarship from Metso that covered the cost of her education, including her daily commute to college, which set her going. Now, all Saloni needs to worry about is achieving her childhood dream of entering the healthcare industry
The Rs 25000 scholarship from Metso has proved life-altering for the local community. It has helped many deserving students like Saloni from underprivileged backgrounds acquire higher technical and professional education, ensuring that financial constraints do not thwart their aspirations. The initiative rewards determination and prioritises need over academic excellence alone, opening the doors of opportunity to average but ambitious students.
Next, we meet Kuldeep Verma. Relaxed in his newly constructed veranda, he recounts his story of triumph over several setbacks with crucial help from Metso. Kuldeep failed his 12th-grade exams in the first attempt. Unfazed, he persevered and gave it another go, this time clearing it with flying colours, scoring 81%, the highest in his entire village.
Girls embrace learning with high-tech computers, opening doors to a brighter future
Commuting to college 75 kilometres away presented another challenge. Then, during Kuldeep’s second year, the scholarship arrived like a lifesaver, helping him cover the costs of his Diploma in BSTC and easing his financial burden.
Now, Kuldeep is a government teacher in Choroti Istmurar. His story exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of academic, financial and personal adversities. During his second year, he lost his mother. His father, who previously rented a rickshaw, moved to drive a battery-powered one.
Similar to Saloni’s, Kuldeep’s story highlights the transformative power of the scholarship programme, offering a glimpse into how a little timely help can liberate students from their struggles and achieve great success.
The mood at the science lab in Dhadholi School, our next stop, is vibrant as students hustle around their handiwork: several science models, each a product of diligence and a passion for discovery. A guiding force for these young innovators, Kalpana Yadav, talks about the exploits of her talented students. At the recent district-level Nipun Mela competition, their exhibits, like the steam engines, earned many accolades, with one of them, a Global Warming model, winning the second prize for its creator, Shabina.
Metso contributed a science kit three years earlier, which catalysed the transformation of this lab into a crucible of learning and exploration, unlocking myriad opportunities for students. It has enabled them to venture beyond theoretical knowledge into the realm of practical application.
In the heart of the village, under the steadfast gaze of community members, the School Management Committee (SMC) gathers, united by a singular purpose: to discuss and deliberate on the progress of the Model School Programme. At the helm are SMC Chairman Seema and social worker
Kuldeep Verma, a scholarship recipient, transforms adversity into achievement through education
Ravindra, who personify the commitment that has driven the school’s transformation.
Jormal, a teacher and SMC member, summarises their mission: “The SMC is there to identify and fill any gaps in our amenities, ensuring no child’s education suffers due to lack of resources.” Its dedication is a testament to the collective will of its members to uplift the standard of education at the school.
Hamid Khan, the village’s former sarpanch, recalls, “Once in ruins, the school now boasts facilities like modern toilets, solar power, and computers, thanks to our collaboration with Metso.” The results are showing dramatically: “Our academic performance has jumped from a mere 50% to an impressive 92%,” he says with justifiable pride.
As the meeting draws to a close, it is clear that the Model School Programme is in good hands and will continue to play the role of a catalyst of change, empowering communities and heralding new beginnings. The school serves as a model of what can be accomplished when a community comes together for the future of its children.
Mr Asif, the Executive Director of Plan India, reflects on the role of corporates in driving social impact. “In an era where India’s economic growth continues to soar, it is critically important for corporates to address the root causes of child poverty and gender inequality.”
The METSO-Plan India partnership exemplifies how corporate resources, combined with the right guidance and community involvement, can inspire lasting change. The Bhamashah Development Award conferred upon the partnership by the government of Rajasthan is a coveted recognition of the extraordinary difference it has made to the lives of the local communities.
The Chief Block Officer says that there has been a tangible 20-30% improvement across the board—highlighting increased student enrolments, enhanced daily activities, and improved facilities. Such advancements, he noted, not only raise the overall quality of education within the block but also ignite a spark of excitement and curiosity in children, drawing them eagerly to school each day
As the day winds down, the stories of these individuals stand as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in making a tangible difference in the lives of many.