Project People’s Organisation for Rural Development (PORD)

The lack of public transport and unsuitable bus timings in many routes in the PORD operational area were causing difficulties for 323 school-going children. The issue was particularly concerning because it made the children vulnerable to dropping out of school, and falling prey to child labor or even being forced into child marriage. Some children were already walking miles or availing private share autos to reach school, which was a concern of safety for their parents.

To ensure continued access to education for children from the villages facing challenges due to public transport, the PORD team initiated discussions in child collectives and community based organisations (CBOs) to raise awareness about the urgency of the situation. The CBO members and parents came forward citing the issue, the bus routes, and the number of children affected.

As a result of their advocacy efforts, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APRTC) allocated new bus facilities in two of the routes. The buses were scheduled to operate during school timings, benefitting a total of 115 children in the PORD operational area. The new services not only enable children to attend school regularly but also allow them to explore the possibility of returning home and attending school as a day scholar.