History
Prakashpalaya is a remote village in Kollegal Taluk. The community here had its beginning when in early 1960s when 6 bonded labour families were released from their work and helped to settle here. Three hundred acres of land were acquired from the government by the pioneers for settling the families Fr. Louis O’ Hendicant a priest of the MEP society who was teaching in St. Philomina’s College, Mysore, founded this community.
Though the centre existed for 40 years, only a lower primary school was there to cater to the needs of the children. The primary school continued to function for 22 years without any upgradation to higher level. After a gap of 22 long years the lower primary school was upgraded to higher primary school.
The high school was started in the year 2001 by the Salesians. The government responded positively with permission for all the three classes in one shot i.e. VIII, IX and X classes. A Higher Secondary School (Pre University Course) was begun in 2003.
Activities
1. Education
The Don Bosco Vidya Kshetra (Temple of Learning) has a primary school,high school and a higher secondary school at present. The centre is envisaged to be a peoples learning centre for the many villages in the locality. This centre provides access to knowledge for the people.
2. Boarding for school children
The boarding for the boys was started in the year 2000 with just three boys. Over the years the number has increased and now there are 80 students in the boarding. This is the only way we are able to provide access to the children from the villages to education.
3. The Parish – St. Louis Church
The parish comprises of about 300 families. The parish not only reaches out to the Catholics but is accessible for all for such helps as God experience, family counseling and social and developmental activities.
4. Women Groups
There are two women’s groups under the project. They were formed in the year 1998 and there are 39 members in two groups. These groups have been active and were instrumental in closing down two shops selling alcohol in the village.
5. Other programmes
Other programmes are awareness and action related to issues such as alcoholism, environment, using of natural resources, camps for the children etc.
Address
Don Bosco high School
Prakashpalaya,
Kothanur Post
Kollegal Taluk 571 440
Chamrajnagar District
Karnataka
Phone : 0821 760086