Access to education is a fundamental right. But millions of children worldwide, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, are often deprived of it. Education opens doors to better opportunities, breaks the cycle of poverty, and fosters community progress. However, several barriers prevent children from realizing this right. UNESCO’s Out-of-school Children and Youth Global report estimates that 258 million children and youth were out of school in 2018, representing one-sixth of the global population.
In this article, let’s delve into understanding the importance of education for children, the root causes hindering access to education, and sustainable ways through which we can ensure education for children.
Importance of quality education for underprivileged children
Education goes beyond literacy – it is a gateway to sustainable learning, essential skills, and personal growth. Here’s how education impacts the lives of the children.
- Social inequalities: Quality education empowers children with critical thinking skills and access to better jobs, healthier lifestyles, and improved community engagement.
- Consequences of poverty: Without access to education, children are more likely to fall into poverty, face early marriage, child labor, and experience reduced earning potential.
- Health protection: When a child is educated, they have the potential to break unhealthy traditions that impact the health of their families and the larger community.
Also Read: From Child Labour To Future Scientist
Barriers to quality education for underprivileged children
Even 14 years after the enactment of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act-2009) in India, many children are still not attending school. Many children remain out of school at the elementary level, while others drop out at the secondary level due to the below reasons.
- Financial barriers: Children are often forced to work to support their families, compromising their education in the process.
- Social and cultural barriers: Gender discrimination may prevent girls from attending school. Additionally, some cultural practices in marginalized communities may prioritize work over education, believing that more hands-on work than reading books will yield more income.
- Lack of infrastructure: Many schools lack essential facilities such as classrooms, washrooms, clean drinking water, and electricity. In India, particularly in rural areas, the absence of well-equipped schools close to children’s homes adds to dropout rates.
- Shortage of trained teachers: Under-resourced schools often lack qualified teachers, resulting in substandard education affecting learning outcomes.
- Language and curriculum barriers: For children from diverse linguistic backgrounds, especially tribal communities, language can be a significant barrier. When the medium of education does not align with their native language, they get demotivated and drop out of school.
Steps taken to eradicate barriers to education
Governments, Non-Profits, and global organizations have undertaken initiatives to address these barriers:
- Free and compulsory education policies: Many countries, including India, have introduced free and compulsory education policies. The Right to Education Act (RTE) in India mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years.
- Scholarship programs: Numerous scholarships and financial aid programs have been created to help underprivileged children access education. Scholarships specifically targeting girls, rural children, and those from marginalized backgrounds are making a significant difference in shaping the futures of underprivileged children.
- School feeding programs: Organizations and governments worldwide have implemented school feeding programs that help alleviate hunger, improve attendance, and reduce dropout rates.
- Infrastructure development: NGOs along with the local administration are continuously working towards infrastructure development with a focus on building safe, accessible schools and providing facilities such as washrooms, drinking water, and electricity.
- Teacher training programs: Various teacher training programs are conducted by self-help groups and NGO projects focusing on equipping educators with skills to handle diverse classroom environments and provide inclusive education.
How CRY is working towards quality education?
CRY America’s projects are dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of underprivileged children. Here’s how CRY America’s projects are making an impact:
- Enrolling out-of-school and dropout children: CRY actively works to identify, enroll out-of-school children, and re-enroll dropped-out children through community engagement, parental counseling, formation of children collectives, and awareness drives.
- Building infrastructure and facilities: CRY America’s project teams engage with local communities, administration, and school committees to improve school infrastructure. They ensure that children have access to safe classrooms, clean drinking water, and hygienic toilet facilities, which are essential for regular attendance and academic success.
- Linking children with education programs: CRY America’s multiple projects educate children and parents on government programs and support them to avail it to continue their education.
- Teacher training and skill development: CRY America’s projects empower teachers through training programs by adapting modern interactive teaching techniques to help them create inclusive, student-friendly environments.
- Organizing support classes: Children in need of educational support, whether due to academic struggles or previous dropout status, receive support through bridge or remedial classes provided by CRY America’s projects.
- Spreading educational empowerment through CRY America projects
While working with project Jawahar Jyoti Bal Vikas Kendra (JJBVK) in Bihar, CRY America encountered a young girl whose parents were daily wage earners. Due to financial constraints, she had to stay home to care for her siblings and manage household chores, causing her to neglect her studies.
Recognizing her need for support, the project team enrolled her in the Bridge Course Center, where she was taught the basics of reading, writing, and numeracy. However, having been out of touch with studies for a long time, she initially struggled to concentrate in class. To address this challenge, they adapted modern teaching techniques such as videos, presentations, and interactive activities to rekindle her interest in learning.
Her renewed enthusiasm and passion for education led her to achieve first-division marks. Today, she is a confident and active member of JJBVK’s children’s collective advocating for children’s education rights.
Conclusion
Overcoming the barriers to education for underprivileged children requires a multifaceted approach involving government policies, community engagement, and your invaluable support. By supporting CRY America, you can directly help children pave the way to quality education.
Donate now to make a real impact on the lives of countless children, making access to education a reality for every child.
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