Barjinder Singh, a non-resident Indian (NRI), has adopted a Red Cross Society School for the special children in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab. He will bear the entire expense of the school, which is around Rs 25 lakh each year.
“We have signed an agreement with the Red Cross Society to bear the expenses of the school’s operations for two years,” Barjinder was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. “We have cleared the pending salaries of the teachers, renovated the infrastructure and also got financed two buses for transportation of the special kids.”
Former Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar deputy commissioner Shena Aggarwal stated as the administration was short of monetary grants, the NRI approached at the right time with the proposal of adopting the school. “I am hopeful that the kids will be able to continue their education and have access to better facilities at the school,” Aggarwal said.
Lakshmi Devi, the Red Cross Society School principal, felt that the new arrangement had brought new hope to the school. According to her, the school staff is now more motivated to serve the special kids with more zeal and passion.
Barjinder said there were 31 kids in the school because many left in the absence of a transportation facility and other issues. Adopting the school is an initiative to get the kids back to touch the figure of 50 students. “Collaboratively, we will rope in specialist staff and doctors for the students and also run vocational and skill-development courses,” Barjinder added.
He had adopted a primary school at his native village five years ago. His NGO has also been organising sports events for the youth in the nearby villages.
Barjinder is based out of Hussainpur but had immigrated to the United States around 25 years ago.
