In addition to this, there are also many more areas that need immediate attention. These include things as basic as benches, books, a proper building, electricity etc. Children who go to private schools in metro cities or a similar environment might find it really overwhelming. This isn’t what they grew up with. In my opinion, it is really important to bridge the gap between the two different worlds that the two different kinds of education systems have created. This can only happen when we try to provide the fundamental requirements to the children going to government schools. It’s of utmost importance when it comes to preparing them for a world where competition is at its peak and education is often outshined by few mouths speaking in English. Just knowing what the books tell you isn’t enough in a world where it’s no longer about knowing math formulas. It’s about holistic development which, only a good school can provide.
It’s about time that we make our government schools count as good schools too. It is not so much to do, honestly. With the right intentions, comes the right path.
NGOs like Aarambh have taken initiatives to make the lives of the government school kids easier. Aarambh is an organization based in Mumbai, which has started creating Multifunctional Help Desks. These are portable recycled cardboard desks for the students to keep their books on in class. This desk further converts into a bag to carry books home. I haven’t heard of an initiative as creative and useful as this! This is how we make changes. We become one.
Not enough can be spoken about the importance of education for everyone. It is ones fundamental right and adequate effort needs to be made so that it’s available to all, indiscriminately. While we sit in our chairs, reading this article, let’s ponder over our contribution and what we can do to help these children get educated. The least we can do is start thinking.