Manorma Sharma Dobariyal, Mayor of Dehradun, inaugurated a primary school on 20th March 2003, at village Dhaura in the tribal area of Jaunsar of Dehradun district. The villagers of Dhaura donated the land for the school, and the Municipality of Drimmelen, Netherlands bore the cost of construction. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK), which has been working in this tribal region since the past three decades, facilitated the construction of the school.
The school is special because it would be catering to the needs of the children of the Kolta tribals Communities who in the past have been bonded labourers. In the past RLEK has constructed similar school in the region, which are being run and managed by the "women's Self-help groups".
Speaking on this occasion Manorma Sharma praised the citizens of Drimmelen, Netherlands for their contribution towards increasing the access to education for the deprived children. "The world is fighting and it's the right time that the Municipalities and Nigams come together to work for the cause of the people," she said. She thanked Mary Ridder and Jacques Ridder from Netherlands, who were present on this occasion, for their support in making this venture a success.
"The municipalities can do great service because of their involvement with the people at large," She added. Manorma Sharma praised RLEK for its tireless efforts towards the socio-economic empowerment of the most marginalised sections of the society. She also thanked the villagers of Dhaura for taking keen interest in the education of children and assured all possible support for similar ventures.
Ms. Marja Meijer, wife of Mr. Herman Van Der Laan, Director International Labour Organisation (ILO) office for India, South Asia Multi Disciplinary Advisory Team was the Guest of Honour. On this occasion Mary Den Ridder and Jacques Ridder from Netherlands were also present.
A cultural programme was presented by the school children of "RLEK School Seedi," another school in the area constructed by RLEK with support from Japanese Government. The flag of municipality of Drimmelen was also hoisted as a gesture of goodwill and gratitude to the community of Drimmelen, Netherlands.