About the trust
Bellwether International School, Nandurbar is the dream project of Mr Prakash Patil and Mr. Sandeep Patil. Bellwether International School will be managed under the Society RURAL FOUNDATION. PATIL Family has been providing quality education amongst the private colleges and Schools since 1999 and now initiated with second educational endeavour, Bellwether International School, Nandurbar. The vision of making a better society with the best quality education has brought their latest venture with Bellwether International School Backed by Mumbai – Based Goenka group.
A brief history of the organization:
Rural Foundation is a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) working in the parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Our operational areas are largely backward, hilly and tribal dominated, difficult to reach areas which make our work exclusive. We have been carrying out need based welfare and integrated developmental programmes for our socioeconomically marginalized communities including tribal (ST), schedules castes (SC) and specifically also with the women among these communities. We work for the enhancement of quality with integrated community based approaches on livelihoods, health, education, environment and socio-economic development activities with the fullest participation of the community.
The organisation has about 24 years of experience of working on rural development based on the Natural Resource Management and Watershed approach. Rural Foundation has worked / is working in 75 villages spread over 5 Blocks in Nandurbar district of Maharashtra, Barwani in Madhya Pradesh and Surat district of Gujarat. Out of these 65 villages are tribal dominated villages.
Rural Foundation was registered in the year 1994 under Maharashtra Societies Registration Act. Considering the need of our donor partners, we also have registrations under Trust and FCR Acts. Despite of working in the remote areas, Rural Foundation has well qualified, hardworking and committed team of professionals in the areas of Civil Engineering, Agronomy, Social Science, Animal Husbandry, Women’s empowerment, Trainings and capacity building. We have a wide experience of working with international NGOs, state as well as central Government departments.
Mr. Prakash B. Patil: A Legacy of Rural Development and Education
Mr. Prakash B. Patil is the visionary founder and chairman of the Rural Foundation (RFN), established in 1994. A self-made individual with over 35 years of experience in education, he is widely recognized as a dedicated and reliable educationist. His career began in 1985 with a commitment to social work, laying the foundation for his enduring impact on rural development, education, and the empowerment of women and children.
The Rural Foundation was established in Nandurbar, a region characterized by its tribal communities and the challenging terrain of the Satpuda hills. Driven by a deep passion to uplift the area educationally and socially, Mr. Patil initiated the foundation. The first school, Savitribaiphule Madhyamic Vidyalaya, opened in 1999, marking the beginning of RFN’s extensive network of educational institutions and social projects in rural areas. With over 25 years of dedicated service, the Rural Foundation, Nandurbar, has significantly contributed to the region’s development.
RFN’s key institutions include:
- Savitribaiphule Madhyamic Vidyalaya (1999)
- Junior College (2003)
- Senior Science College (2003)
- B.Ed. College (2004)
- D.Ed. College (2005)
- Rukhamabai Balika Ashram (2007)
- College of Education for Women, Bardoli (2007)
- Bellwether International School, Nandurbar (2023)
These institutions reflect RFN’s comprehensive approach to education, from primary and secondary schooling to higher education and specialized training, alongside vital social welfare initiatives.
Message:
Educational Philosophy and Approach
“I believe that true knowledge is fostered through discovery and wonder, not coercion. Education transcends mere academic achievement; it cultivates well-rounded individuals grounded in core values. A holistic education empowers children to think freely, question fearlessly, and develop self-discipline and respect for others. We prioritize an environment that inspires self-discovery and integrates arts, sports, music, and dance alongside academics.
Education, in my view, is a collaborative endeavor, a triangle where teachers and parents serve as crucial role models. Our curriculum is designed to nurture ‘international Indians,’ fostering global awareness while celebrating Indian culture. Beyond professional success, education equips individuals to navigate life’s challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
Our mission is to empower young minds, cultivate a passion for lifelong learning, and promote emotional, social, and physical well-being. Recognizing our semi-rural setting, we provide foundational education alongside structured extracurricular activities. These include communication skills, arts and crafts, dance and music for mental well-being, and sports for physical development.”
Mr. Sandeepkumar Patil
“It is with great pleasure that I share our achievements and reflections. The pursuit of knowledge is a continuous journey, and the foundation laid at home is strengthened within the school. Witnessing the school’s progress and accomplishments fills me with immense pride, akin to a gardener observing the flourishing of their cultivated seeds.
‘Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.’ Bellwether International School (BWIS) stands as a center of educational excellence, proactively adapting to educational challenges and opportunities. We are committed to refining our learning strategies and goals, empowering students to understand global issues and explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings. Our dedicated and talented staff works tirelessly to nurture and develop the potential of each child.
I pray that the school continues to reach new heights, achieving greater recognition and success. Let us reflect on our past achievements with pride and move forward with unwavering enthusiasm.”
Ms. Prachi Patil
“Education is more than knowledge acquisition; it’s the development of life skills and character. At Bellwether International School (BWIS), we are committed to fostering this enriching growth process. Our focus is on identifying, cultivating, and unlocking the inherent potential within each student.
We strive for holistic development, integrating academics with co-curricular activities, to prepare our students as future leaders and positive role models.
BWIS employs a child-centered approach to education, valuing and respecting the contributions of parents and the broader school community.”
Bellwether International School
Is now opened for admission from Nursery to Grade 7 for academic year (25-26)
Our goal is to respond to the call of creating the emerging leaders of tomorrow. We are committed to impacting a synergy of skills, knowledge, and values in our children to lend them their inner voice for the 21st century.
We envision today’s children as tomorrow’s leadership icons. We have impacted a milestone departure from the teacher-led to the child-centric. Our learning environment enables each child to realize their unique learning style, while our MI-aided methodology helps them discover their own creative and aesthetic potential.