Hikmat Foundation was founded on the idea that everyone, especially girls, deserve an equal opportunity in pursuing education. To this end, the Foundation has established high schools for girls in rural impoverished areas. The schools address a critical gap; they offer not only an academic program but also activities aimed at health, hygiene, sports, and vocational training, contributing to the holistic empowerment of young women. In fact, the mission is to foster lasting change in these communities, enhancing opportunities for both the girls and their surrounding villages.
The first school was established in April 2016 in Raibari Mahua panchayat of Bagaha Block, West Champaran. This has received its affiliation (accreditation) with Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB). A second school was established in 2017 in Meghwal Mathia panchayat of Ramnagar Block, West Champaran. This second school – Noor Girls High School (NGHS) Meghwal Mathia – is the project school. It is being developed as a full-fledged K-12 high school. Currently it has close to 450 girls and is projected to go up to 1000 girls in a couple of years.
The project involves constructing a new classroom block on the site of an old block of 4 class with a tin roof (Old Block I). This was built as a temporary arrangement when the school was started. It is a weak structure and inadequate for the growing needs of the school; with enrollment numbers steadily rising, new classrooms are needed. In particular, facilities mandated for accreditation of the school at the class 12 level are required. The new block will house the Computer Lab and Library (currently in rooms smaller than prescribed) on the ground floor and necessary science labs and related room (each prescribed to be fifty square metres) on floors 2 and 3. By building additional classrooms, Hikmat Foundation aims to significantly increase our educational capacity, directly impacting community development. Secondly, and importantly, qualify for accreditation from the Bihar School Examination Board – the school regulatory authority.
The new classrooms will be built in Noor Girls High School, Meghwal Mathia, Ramnagar Block, District West Champaran, Bihar.
The total cost of the full redevelopment of the Old Block—including the staircase, Principal Room (30 m² accreditation requirement), two 50 m² rooms for a Computer Lab and Library, and two 46 m² classrooms—is estimated at approximately INR 19 million. This includes construction of three floors (total built-up area: 9,525 sq ft) with an average in-house construction cost of INR 2,000 per sq ft. To make the project manageable and achievable, we plan to execute it in two phases. Phase 1, which includes construction of the foundation, columns, beams, and roof for at least two floors and completion of the ground floor for immediate use, is estimated to cost INR 10 million. We are currently seeking support for Phase 1. We respectfully request a contribution of INR 2.5 million (approximately $30,000 USD) from AMU AA, which will significantly accelerate our ability to begin construction and serve students sooner.
AMU Alumni Association, Greater Chicago, USA
GIRLS EDUCATION IN RURAL BIHAR
Final Report : July 1, 2026
Name of Project: Construction of Principal, Computer and Library Room
Noor Girls High School, Meghwal Mathia, West Champaran, Bihar.
I. Background: Hikmat Foundation was founded on the idea that everyone, especially girls, deserve an equal opportunity in pursuing education. To this end, the Foundation has established high schools for girls in rural, impoverished areas.
II. Overview: AMU AA support to Hikmat Foundation is for constructing a school block in place of an old temporary structure which has been demolished. On completion of the funded construction, the block will comprise (i) staircase,/stairwell, (ii) Principal’s Room, (iii) Computer Lab, and (iv) Library.
III. Progress to Date:
Planned construction has been completed. Outside painting will be done once the higher floors have been constructed. Rooms for Principal, Library and Computer Lab are ready for occupation. Wall plaque acknowledging support of AMU Alumni Association, Greater Chicago, USA has been installed.
VI. Funds Received and Utilisation :
The total amount received was INR 26,18,100/-. Final expenditure is INR 28,74,119/- The excess expenditure of INR 2,56,019/- has been funded from Hikmat resources. Details are as follows:
VENDOR
Demolition
38,005
Rebar
6,63,721
Labour Contract / Roof
6,97,461
Sand
1,88,627
Cement
3,58,644
Stone Chips
2,16,712
Door Frame, Window Grill
33,161
Electrical Material & Labour
2,30,290
Doors & Windows
1,60,061
Floor Material & Installation
2,23,807
Painting Material & Labour
47,725
Plumbing
15,905
TOTAL EXPENDITURE ₹28,74,119
TOTAL RECEIPT ₹26,18,100
BALANCE -₹2,56,019
VII. PHOTOGRAPHS:
Before - July 12, 2025 After - July 12, 2025
Veranda - West View Veranda - East View
