MUMBAI: The Australian Consulate-General in Mumbai on Thursday announced a new initiative aimed at improving school infrastructure in rural Maharashtra through renewable energy and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions.The announcement marked a collaboration between the Australian Consulate-General Mumbai and Swades Foundation to implement the programme in Raigad and Nashik districts.Senior dignitaries attended the event including Philip Green-Australian High Commissioner to India, Paul Murphy-Australian Consul-General and Zarina Screwvala-Co-Founder, Swades Foundation, along with representatives from partner organisations and community leaders.Philip Green-High Commissioner of Australia to India said, “While we engage extensively with India’s corporate and urban sectors, there is another India that requires continued support—that is the rural India. While progress is being made, more needs to be done to improve livelihoods and opportunities. Australia is among the few developed countries that is increasing its development assistance at this critical time. This initiative, though small, reflects our broader commitment to inclusive growth. Finally, it is important to work with trusted partners like Swades Foundation, which has a proven track record. We are confident that this initiative will deliver real benefits to those who need it most.”Officials said the initiative aims to promote sustainable and self-reliant rural communities by strengthening school infrastructure. Under the programme, schools will be equipped with off-grid solar systems to ensure reliable electricity for lighting, fans and digital learning tools. In parallel, WASH facilities—including access to safe drinking water, gender-sensitive toilets and handwashing stations—will be developed to improve hygiene and reduce waterborne diseases.The project is being supported through the Consulate’s direct aid programme.Organisers said the combined focus on renewable energy and sanitation is expected to create safer, more inclusive learning environments while improving attendance and overall educational outcomes. The initiative also emphasises community participation, with school authorities, parents and local stakeholders involved in planning and implementation.Zarina Screwvala said that on behalf of their entire team of 300 people, she would like to sincerely thank all their partners.“Our vision has always been to create a model that can lift one million rural Indians out of poverty—every five years. The first few years were about learning—making mistakes, correcting them, and refining our approach. Around 2017, we rebuilt our model from the ground up, focusing on community-driven change. What we’ve learned is that meaningful change takes time and patience. If you want to go fast, you must first go slow. We also realised that poverty is not just material—it is also mental. Generations of hardship create a mindset where people lose hope. Addressing this “poverty of mindset” is just as important. Another key learning is that there is no single solution. Real change requires a holistic approach—sanitation, healthcare, education, livelihoods, and infrastructure—all working together. We deeply value that our partners engage with communities on the ground. Seeing the impact firsthand makes all the difference,” she said.
