When all families have finally been accepted and the tears have dried over those who had to be turned away, there is a parent meeting to explain the family responsibilities and expectations from the school.
Tuition, books, uniforms, and meals are free. Each student receives two uniforms, one to wash and one to wear.
It is the families’ responsibility to protect the uniforms and books. If they are damaged, the family must pay for the replacement. In the beginning, this proved to be a large problem because rats infest the homes and streets in Pilkhana, and many uniforms and books were eaten by vermin. Upon issuing the materials, the teachers explain clearly that the uniforms must be kept in the metal family safe box. This is where families keep their valuables, wedding dresses, and now, Balo books and uniforms. Every night they must be locked up.
Only the poorest families can leave their uniforms or books at the school if they are going to the village for the weekend, but it is a special situation, and most families are required to maintain responsibility for the items.
It is also the parents’ responsibility to pay for copies of homework, pencils, and erasers. This amounts to approximately 400 Rupee ($6) a year.
Parents are expected to attend several general meetings and conferences twice a year. Teachers meet with them in small groups and one-on-one to share the successes of the student. When this first started, parents didn’t understand what a parents’ meeting was, and they didn’t show up. Slowly the culture of the school changed, and now the parents arrive early for the gatherings. It is also a chance to remind the parents of the importance of education and how lucky they are to have admission to the school. The queue is long, and there are many people vying for a place.