Seven years ago, in the remote village of Marocha in northeast India, our partner launched a school to serve a community where most families live on less than $50 a month and literacy rates are below 50%. For most of the children attending, it was the first time anyone in their family had ever gone to school. Today, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Big Joy Foundation in Colorado, the school is celebrating a monumental step forward with the completion of eight brand-new classrooms.

As the student body grew, the expansion became essential for meeting government standards. India Director, Raja, explained, “We thought to have eight additional classrooms. Step by step we have seen the building coming up and now we have… all construction on this structure ready.”

Remarkably, the entire project was completed in less than 12 months. The final phase saw the team diligently working on “the flooring work… the insulation windows, and the doors and the grill bars.” After that came the final painting and electrical work; now the benches and desks have also been installed in every classroom. This project builds on other recent improvements, including two new school buses and new toilet facilities, all aimed at creating a supportive and functional learning environment.

With these beautiful new spaces, the school’s capacity for impact has grown significantly. It currently serves 163 students and is excited to welcome 30 more children next year. For these students, the new building represents more than just walls and desks. As Raja shared, “When they come to the school, they will see the change and they will be able to enjoy a safe, welcoming environment for them.”

This sentiment gets to the very heart of what these new classrooms represent.

“This is not just a classroom, but a hope and a future for our children.”