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There are millions of school-aged children in India. The majority of
them will start school as 5-year-olds, however many of them will not
still be in school by the age of 13. Unfortunately, today, India has
one of the highest numbers of children working for meagre wages just
to help their families survive. The Indian Government has a policy
of Education for All, which we are actively supporting for children
of all ages.
Balwadi (0-5
years)
Balwadi is the Indian name for pre-school nurseries, and they
encourage children and their families to accept regular attendance
at school from the earliest age. This also relieves older brothers
and sisters from child-minding duties while mother and father work.
Learning through play makes the experience a happy one and forms
good habits from an early age.
Joyful Learning (5
years upwards)
Most children in India will start primary school, where they will
be provided with a daily midday meal. Joyful Learning is an
initiative to help schools provide a better education, through
Teacher Training and the provision of classroom equipment and
educational material.
After School Tuition
Centres (5-16 years)
Having persuaded children and their families that school is the
best workplace for youngsters these centres are important in
helping to continue the good work once the school day is over. They
provide an opportunity for constructive fun and games, will provide
a nutritional supplement for the children, and a focus for a
homework club.
Vocational Training
During the last year of schooling, youngsters are offered job
counselling by our Projects Officers. Children in the Residential
Boys and Girls Towns,
together with their parent or guardian, will receive vocational
guidance including trade exposure visits. Students will either go
into accredited training with an ITI (Industrial Training Institute)
to gain skills such as electrician, motor mechanic, etc, or will
continue their study in local colleges gaining diploma or even
degree qualifications in areas such as nursing or accounting.
The charity
is able to help brighter students to continue their studies through
the BTS Home Sponsorship Scheme.
Home Sponsorship
Sometimes it is not possible for youngsters to be included in one of
our projects – caring for a sick relative or other home
circumstances may prevent their attendance. Through Boys Town
Society we are able to offer the opportunity to study while
remaining at home. Staff will visit regularly and support the child
in these circumstances. |
