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The CCASA and Victoria Matriculation School
Partnership Program
 Find out how you can get involved!
About VMS
The Victoria Matriculation School (VMS), located in the village of Periyapalayam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, serves 93 students up to 7th grade, as the only English language school in the area. Founded in May 2004 by the People's Action Movement (PAM), a Chennai-based non-governmental organization, the school aims to uplift and empower marginalized communities. VMS educates students from a variety of social and economic backgrounds with the aim of creating an atmosphere that fosters respect and equality among all peoples.
Our connection to VMS
The Connecticut College Asian/Asian American Student Association (CCASA) seeks to raise awareness of cultural, political, social, and academic issues that concern Asian and Asian Americans for the College community. Our interest in VMS stems from our own mission, as well as the goals of the College -- to affect change as global citizens. VMS is CCASA's first opportunity to expand community development beyond the College.
 We are personally connected to VMS through an alumni relationship. The principal of VMS, Elli Nagai-Rothe '03, is a former Chair of CCASA and was an active and motivated member of the College. Elli has been instrumental in establishing VMS, and has accomplished amazing results for the school in less than 1 year in India. We were inspired by her initiative and therefore support her endeavor, through our partnership.
The Partnership Program
This growing partnership between CCASA and VMS is mutually beneficial for both institutions. This connection with VMS provides teaching and cultural experiences for Connecticut College students. The Office of CELS has already committed to fund interns who will work at VMS. Through fundraising and financial contributions, we hope to assist VMS in becoming a recognized and accredited primary school by the Indian government. This ongoing relationship will increase learning experiences for everyone involved and have a positive impact for the College and VMS in the future. Many offices and departments are actively seeking to participate in this emerging relationship.
 Contact information
Dave Kahn
(860) 439-3521
dpkah@conncoll.edu
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