Pavlis Institute - Into India Projects 2016

The Pavlis Institute exists to inspire and prepare Michigan Technological University students to become global leaders who challenge themselves, work effectively on diverse teams, and achieve their goals through life-changing courses, projects, mentorships, and international experience. India was piloted by Pavlis for the first time in 2012 and the needs of India continue to provide Pavlis students with real-life challenges to address.

Several projects will be explored while in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. These projects will consist of research into the daily lives and needs of the locals. Through human centered design, the team will research what the locals of Chennai really need. The information that we will discover will be used to create possible solutions for problems that will arise in the near future. Additional projects based on past human centered design research will be explored and implemented. These projects, focused on improvements for Government Higher Secondary School Kunnankulathur, include creating a play area for the children made from recycled materials, checking on the efficiency of a biochar water filtration system that was previously installed, looking into a small solar powered fan system to keep the classrooms cool in the heat, installing a composting system and integrating the decomposition cycle into science lesson plans -- stressing the importance of sustainability and "thinking green" to the young students. We are working to establish solid relationships with other struggling rural schools like this one in an effort to aid them in receiving increased government funding. This school is passionate about ensuring success and continued education for their students. By focusing on the youth, a generation of educated and passionate students can be inspired to address vital issues in their country.

In a land that values a rich and long history, students traveling to India will learn hands on how to thrive in a different culture.

Since our first teams have arrived in Tamil Nadu, we have been working at the higher secondary government school in Kunnankulathur. We have completed repairs and testing on the biochar filter, finding that it is filtering E. coli and cholera properly. We were also able to create a compost system to help the school get rid of trash while helping trees grow. We had also discovered a need for fences around trees so they can grow. By having healthy trees, the campus will have a lot more shade to relax and do work in. We have also explored many schools in the Madurai area. We have spoken to the schools and they have identified many needs such as water filters, a wall around the campus, help teaching English, and a good computer system. These struggles will continue to be further explored by future Pavlis travel groups.