New Desks and Benches for the Classrooms

Thanks to contributions from friends around the world (Australia, Philippines, Israel, Singapore, Japan, America), new desks and benches were bought for classrooms. Since moving to their new location in Tikjuk, students have been using old, broken wooden benches and desks. The new ones will last much longer.

Old wooden desks and benches

New desks and benches

Indian Shawls Raise Funds in America

Dr. Donna Goldstein of Hollywood, FL, has sold hand-embroidered, hand-painted and batik silk shawls and donated the money to SXS. SXS friend, Moumita Datta in Kolkata, requests a women’s cooperative to make the scarves to order. With different styles of stitching and bright colors, these scarves raised several hundred dollars for the school.

Dr. Donna Goldstein and shawls

Moumita Datta and patch shawl

Hand-painted shawl

   

Solar Water Panels Make a Difference!

In 2018, funds raised in Japan were used to buy solar panels for the washrooms. Now the children can have hot water for bathing. The staff can also use the hot water for washing clothes. A separate solar water heater was set up above the kitchen to provide hot water for washing dishes. Special thanks to Sumiko Kanetsuna for her monthly contributions that bought the heaters.

Miss Chandra wrote, “The solar water heater worked and helped in best way for the children to take bath. It was a wonderful help to all children during their bathing time. Still, it is in more useful because of winter season. it’s really a great help to our school. All the children are always thankful and grateful to you.”

Installing solar heaters for water tanks

Washing with hot water

 

SXS Dancers Win Ethnic Dance Contest!

Students from SXS won a cash prize at a statewide dance contest, held on the Geyzing festival grounds. Students come from the four ethnic groups in Sikkim and learn dances from all the regions. Dedicated teachers teach the students, who practiced almost daily leading up to the competition. 45 students participated in the dance about the history and tradition of the Tamang culture. Congratulations to the students and teachers!

Dance team

Dancers at statewide competition