In the heart of Shirur Taluka, Pune, lie two remarkable schools—Zilla Parishad Schools Yevalematha and Pacharne Wasti. Not long ago, these schools struggled with inadequate infrastructure, posing challenges to the education and well-being of their students. Yet, today, they stand as beacons of hope, symbolizing the power of collaboration and determination. This is their story—a journey of transformation under the ITC Mission Sunehra Kal program, implemented by FINISH Society.

A Glimpse of the Past
The children of ZP School Pacharne Wasti once carried water bottles from home, as there was no access to clean drinking water at school. Toilets were absent, making it difficult for students to focus on their studies. Meanwhile, ZP School Yevalematha faced the challenge of lack of boundary walls, raising safety concerns. Handwashing facilities were a dream, and hygiene education was an unmet need.
The teachers, passionate but constrained, continued to nurture their students with the hope of a better future.

“हम बच्चों को हर दिन यह समझाने की कोशिश करते थे कि सफाई और स्वास्थ्य कितना ज़रूरी है, लेकिन साधन ही नहीं थे,” recalls one of the teachers.

A Ray of Hope
In 2023, a ray of hope arrived in the form of the ITC Mission Sunehra Kal program. FINISH Society stepped in, bringing with it not just resources but a vision for change. The initiative emphasized sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices and encouraged active involvement from students, teachers, and the community.
Both schools embraced the program wholeheartedly. Committees were formed to ensure collective ownership—Child Cabinets, WATSAN Committees, and strengthened School Management Committees (SMC). These bodies became the driving force behind the transformation.

Transforming Spaces
The transformation began with small but significant steps.
At ZP School Pacharne Wasti, construction began on separate toilets for boys and girls, including facilities for children with special needs. A handwashing station with four taps, ramps, and railings made the space more inclusive. An RO-filter system brought clean drinking water to the children.
ZP School Yevalematha received a handwashing station with six taps, boundary walls for safety, and vibrant BALA (Building as Learning Aid) paintings that turned dull classrooms into creative spaces.
Additionally, soap banks and WASH kiosks became part of the schools, ensuring daily hygiene. The observance of special days like Swachchta Hi Seva, Handwashing Day, and Yoga Day instilled healthy habits in students.

A New Dawn
The efforts bore fruit when both schools participated in the Maharashtra Government’s “Mukhyamantri Mazi Shala, Sundar Shala” competition. Competing against 179 schools, ZP School Yevalematha secured the second prize with a reward of ₹2,00,000, while ZP School Pacharne Wasti achieved third place, receiving ₹1,00,000.
The victory was not just about the awards but the recognition of their hard work.

“अब हमारी स्कूल सिर्फ पढ़ाई का केंद्र नहीं है, यह बच्चों के भविष्य को बेहतर बनाने का माध्यम है,” shared a proud member of the School Management Committee.

The Secret of Success
What set these schools apart in the competition was their holistic approach. The combination of enhanced infrastructure, sustainable practices like kitchen gardens, and active hygiene education created an environment where children thrived. The visible changes were remarkable, but the invisible ones—confidence, health, and a sense of ownership among students—were even more profound.
Looking Ahead
The success of ZP Schools Yevalematha and Pacharne Wasti is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together for a common cause. These schools have become models for others in the region, proving that even small interventions can have a lasting impact.
The ITC Mission Sunehra Kal program, implemented by FINISH Society, has not only transformed school infrastructure but has also planted seeds of hope, responsibility, and sustainability in young minds.

As one of the teachers proudly states, “यह सिर्फ शुरुआत है। हम अब जानते हैं कि कुछ भी असंभव नहीं है।”

This inspiring journey reminds us that with the right support and determination, schools can become not just centers of education but hubs of health, growth, and opportunity.