Brajendra Singh Chandel, known to us fondly as Tinku, runs Raja Shivnarayan Singh Vidya Mandir Public School in his beautiful hometown of Khajuraho, India. Currently the government in India provides no funding for schools, they instead charge them fees, and bribes of up to £200 along with those fees. Together with his wife, Tinku provides all the funding for his school, relying mostly on donations and volunteers willing to work there for however long. We have set up this page with the dream of raising enough money for 5 months’ expenses for the school at least, but know that Tinku and the children would be grateful enough for however much can be spared. Life in India is very cheap in comparison to Europe, so £400 would cover 1 month of expenses including rent, all 5 teachers’ salaries, the electricity bill, and stationary for the children. Neither Tinku nor his wife take wages from the school, they give all their time for free. Even in the school holidays they give up their time to teach the children’s parents, who often weren’t lucky enough to receive an education in childhood.

It is a team effort; volunteers are housed with Tinku and looked after by his family, even his brother who lives miles away in Delhi is saving up for their own Tuk Tuk to bring back to Khajuraho, so they can transport the children to school from areas further away who otherwise wouldn‘t go. Tinku is one of the most generous people we’ve met, even to us westerners who really don’t deserve it in comparison. He is also a strong fighter for women’s right in India, taking inspiration from Malala and Mother Theresa and teaching this to the children, an important act in a country so lacking in these rights. His team of staff are mostly female, as are the majority of his students, but he welcomes and encourages children from all backgrounds.

We couldn’t think of a more worthy man or cause for our help, and ask you all to please donate however much or little you can. We can guarantee that every single penny will help these children.

If you would like to know more about this school or get in touch with Tinku about volunteering opportunities, visit his facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/Raja-Shivnarayan-Singh-Vidya-Mandir-Public-School-Khajuraho-257165954474257/