Thoppur, a South Indian Dalit village, was adopted for setting up Paadhai’s first Education Center.  With over 65 kids, Thoppur needed this Center as the kids were being moved in and out of the village community hall which was the only solid structure among thatched roofs.  Thoppur was also without teachers since April 2005 due to lack of funding.  The aim was to offer land, building, basic tranining material and teaching assistance for three years.  A micro credit program with the women of the same village was initiated which would ensure the continuation of salaries for teachers after three years. 

While construction for the new education Center was on, Paadhai had organized a rented place for temporary functioning of the center.  In mid-February 2006, the Thoppur Education Center was inaugrated.  This Center is one of the few brick buildings in the village with power and water.  Today, there are over 72 kids using the Center, which is complete with water tank for rain water harvesting, solar lighting and compound wall.
 

Thoppur Center