Established in 1936 in the village of Ullannur, Kerala, Rural Reconstruction Upper Primary (RRUP) School was founded as part of a rural development initiative led by the visionary Sri. M.K.Varghese, the village's first graduate. Initially, RRUP operated as a vocational school, offering training in various trades like beekeeping, weaving, poultry farming, bookbinding, carpentry, and agriculture. However, after the Second World War, the school transitioned to a more traditional educational model, which it maintains today.
RRUP is a private institution catering to around 130-150 students from low to middle-income families. Unlike schools that charge tuition fees, RRUP offers free education. Due to this, it does not operate as an English medium school, creating a demand for volunteer English teachers. In today's interconnected world, proficiency in English is essential for students seeking opportunities beyond their village. While the primary language of instruction is Malayalam and the students' English proficiency varies from low to medium, they are well-mannered, respectful, and highly motivated to learn.
Recognizing this need, Kerala Volunteer was born in 2014. Originating from a friendship between a young American teacher seeking to continue her service in education and a school in need of English instruction, the program provides volunteers with accommodation adjacent to the school, eliminating the financial burden of typical volunteer placements. This unique partnership has enabled volunteers from diverse backgrounds to support RRUP's students in pursuing their dreams of becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers, athletes, artists, and more.
By simplifying the volunteering process and prioritizing impact over logistical obstacles, Kerala Volunteer ensures that volunteers can focus on what truly matters: the bright futures of RRUP's students. Join us in making a difference and shaping the next generation's success!
Learn more about Kerala Volunteer on YouTube!
