Shebella Sandhu
Editorial Writer
Education is the biggest tool when it comes to transforming the society. However it still remains one of the biggest challenge for the underprivileged section of our society.
As every parent want their children be educated, their first priority when they settle in slums should be to look for enrollment of their child in any nearby school. But, for most slum families, educating their children is the last thing on their minds. According to right to education act, every child has right to be educated freely till fourteen years of age but because of poor infrastructure and maladministration in the local municipality school, their initial schooling years are in peril. Their only hope is self studying worsened by poor environment with lack of light, cramped space, issues of domestic voilence, ignorance of parents, insufficient material and funds.
Most slum children go to schools where teaching standards are low and classrooms are seriously under-equipped.
The government schools they attend are poorly resourced and have low teaching standards. English and computing skills are barely taught, and the option of higher education remains an expensive dream. As slum children grow up, parental pressure to leave school and start work increases, and the vast majority of young people leave school by the age of 16. Among slum residents, the most common belief about higher education – or even completing school -is that it’s a waste of time and money.
It’s easy to understand how a child who has grown up in a slum may not even consider the prospect of university. It is not just the limitations of their government schooling, or lack of money for textbooks and admission fees. Their feelings of inadequacy, fear of mixing with their privileged middle-class counterparts, and lack of encouragement from parents and community all contribute to keep them away.
Education is important for everyone, whether they are learning new facts, skills, or trades. Having the opportunity to learn always benefits the individual.
Education is considered a vital element in the development of a society, a system, and a country. I am convinced that a well-supported, easily accessible education system is an efficient means to make people economically conscious, and thereby, make them actively participate in their economic prosperity and cultural development. Educating communities means developing schools and educating children and leaders. By doing so, slum communities will lead to a healthier and more sustainable future.
An education system in slums has the opportunity to build capacity and knowledge in their populace, helping them to make informed decisions.