Recent data from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) for the academic year 2020-21 highlights a concerning trend in India’s education sector. While the dropout rate at the primary level remains low at 0.8%, it escalates to 14.6% at the secondary level (Classes 9-10), signaling a critical area of concern. Despite efforts by government bodies, nonprofits, and civil society organizations to improve school attendance, the situation has remained largely unchanged over the years. Particularly distressing is the status of girl children’s education, with many still being denied the opportunity to learn, especially those from marginalized communities such as the Musahar and Vanvasi.
In response to these challenges, Jan Vikas Samiti (JVS) has launched an initiative aimed at ensuring that children from marginalized and vulnerable communities can exercise their fundamental right to education. The initiative focuses on integrating these children back into the mainstream education system through Community Learning Centers (CLC), Community Libraries, and enrollment in regular or private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) provisions.
JVS operates 11 CLCs in the Haruha block, with 446 children currently attending regularly. These centers prioritize Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), equipping children with the skills to read, understand basic texts, write, and perform mathematical operations. The aim is not merely academic; it’s about fostering a transformative change within communities regarding the value of education, health, hygiene, and communal development. By bridging the educational gap, the CLC program encourages communities to take on the responsibility of nurturing their children’s futures, thus ensuring a more inclusive and equitable education system for all.
