Education is a dream for millions of children who struggle to survive daily. Education on Wheels is a unique programme that uses a bus equipped with teaching aids to visit children in the slums to educate them. The project aims to educate children whose parents have no choice but to leave them to fend for themselves during the day while they are away earning for the family.
Education on wheels (EOW) brings the school home. A well-equipped bus with computers, TV, and other essential education-related materials arrives at the doorstep of the user/ beneficiary/prospective student. In one single stroke it eliminates handicap of distance, cumbersome travel, and issues regarding safety and security of the student. Most of these children live in slums or outskirts of the city and are engaged in part-time work. Their families can neither afford their education nor is it a priority for them. However, once they understand the concept of EOW they are open to the idea of enrolling their children in the programme. The teaching style is different from the regular traditional methods and is designed in a way that these children can adapt to its methodology.
It has been extremely well received by children living in vulnerable conditions sans access to formal education or a suitable learning environment.
Winning features
Multi-grade teaching: The project provides multi-grade teaching where students of different age groups and levels of learning are taught under one roof. The trained and experienced teachers use special methods and techniques to make learning enjoyable and sustainable.
Focus on skilling: By reaching out to the street and working children, effort is made to help them become skilled, and responsible citizens who can live a life of dignity.
Voices of beneficiaries
“There is no school around my house and my father does not have money to admit me in a private school. I am excited and happy now as EOW has given me admission”
6-year old Sameer from Hoti camp slum, Delhi
“My studies came to a rude halt when my family migrated to Gurugram. Post that I lost two years moving around aimlessly. With the responsibility of two younger siblings on my shoulders, I had no hope of rekindling the flame of education. Now with EOW I can work and study at the same time. I am sure after this my job prospects will improve.”
11-year old Nafeesa, students of a remedial class of EOW.
“My family migrated from Bengal three years ago. My father works as a rag picker and mother is a domestic help. I too accompany my father to the garbage dumps sometimes. Once I started EOW classes, my teachers realised I was a sharp and keen learner. Today, I am a strong advocate of the EOW and am a social change agent who motivates other children to study.”
12- year old Hasan, resident of Saraswati Kunj, a slum colony in Gurugram
“My father is a drug addict and alcoholic and often beats my mother. I have to care for my infant siblings while my mother works as a domestic help. I don’t want my life to be like that of my mother who gets beaten up daily. I want to get good education and do a respectful job. The EOW has given me huge support and opportunity to study and change my destiny. I am hopeful of soon enrolling in formal school and moving ahead in life.”
12-year old Manisha who lives in the slums around Saraswati Kunj in Gurugram
