Nestled within a 13-acre chikoo orchard in the serene tribal village of Dahanu, Maharashtra, lies the Tamarind Tree School—a beacon of open access education and knowledge for the local Adivasi community. This alternative, technology-driven English medium school stands as a testament to the belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves a quality education that empowers them to become independent, lifelong learners. Recognized by the Maharashtra Education Department, Tamarind Tree currently enlightens approximately 100 students across pre-primary to grade 8 levels.
In September 2022, The Locavore team had the privilege to peek inside the wonderful kitchen at Tamarind Tree School. This kitchen doesn’t just focus on nutrition; it opens doors to a world of diverse foods like idlis and dosas—experiences previously unknown to many students, especially those from the Warli tribal community, who are often first-generation learners.
This kitchen stands out not merely as a place for meal preparation but as a dynamic classroom. Here, younger students enhance their reading by engaging with the daily menu, while all students are encouraged to voice their preferences, fostering not just language skills but a sense of agency and importance in their opinions on food.
As The Locavore celebrates its second anniversary, we’re rallying to support the Tamarind Tree kitchen, currently facing a funding shortfall, to ensure it continues its critical role in the community. Here’s how you can make a difference:
DONATE:
Your contribution can help sustain the kitchen’s operations. Donors giving more than Rs 1,000 will receive a letter from the Tamarind Tree School children.
VOLUNTEER:
Join the Tamarind Tree volunteer or mentorship program and make a direct impact. We have opportunities for online one on one mentorship as well as teaching syllabus and off syllabus courses.
VISIT:
If donating or joining the mentorship program isn’t possible for you at this moment, but you’re keen on visiting the Tamarind Tree …
Bonus Feature: All contributors who support this cause have a chance to win a spot on The Locavore’s #DoingGoodThroughFood Anniversary Day Trip to Tamarind Tree School in Dahanu, Maharashtra on Saturday, 6th April, 2024
This year, in our continued mission to generate awareness and support for the essential school kitchen at Tamarind Tree, The Locavore invites you to join a remarkable day of discovery, learning, and community engagement at the Tamarind Tree School on the 6th of April, 2024.
We’re thrilled to offer 20 lucky contributors, who choose to either donate or sign up for volunteering, the chance to accompany us on a day trip to the Tamarind Tree School, showcasing our collective efforts to sustain the school’s kitchen. This immersive experience will not only allow you to witness the impact of these efforts firsthand but also engage you in a unique Skill Exchange Workshop, where every participant, including you, can share and learn new skills in a vibrant, interactive setting.
ITINERARY
*We divide into groups mixing students, staff, and guests. Each person will have the chance to share and teach a simple skill they excel at, whether it’s ‘how to chop an onion properly,’ ‘crafting an effective task list,’ or ‘tips for taking great photographs.’ Each skill session will last approximately 10-15 minutes, offering a rich, interactive learning experience for everyone.
