Educating everyone – let’s bridge the gap

between poverty and education

INTRODUCTION:
The promise of education often remains elusive for millions around the globe
who are trapped in the cycle of poverty. Children who are willing to come
out of work and start learning are forbidden by the society and even by their
own parents. Being illiterate is a pathetic condition. Education empowers the
future and illiteracy means no good future. So a solution must be found to
overcome this issue. Addressing the issue ,educating the poor requires a
multifaceted approach that tackles systemic barriers and empowers
individuals to realize their full potential. In this essay, we delve into the
importance of educating the economically disadvantaged and explore
strategies to bridge the gap.
WHAT IS EDUCATION ? :
Before we start to address the issue of illiteracy let us understand what
education actually is. Education has long been hailed as the great equalizer, a
transformative force capable of breaking the chains of poverty and opening
doors to opportunity. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is
about empowerment. It enhances critical thinking, fosters creativity, and
cultivates a sense of self-worth. Moreover, educated individuals are better
equipped to make informed decisions about their health, finances, and overall
well-being, leading to improved quality of life for themselves and their
communities.
Why this gap?
the quality of education and its accessibility varies greatly between the rich
and the poor, resulting in a significant impact on their lives. Moreover, the lack
of quality education and opportunities often leads to a vicious cycle of
poverty, illiteracy, and underemployment. Children from poor families who
receive inadequate education are less likely to secure well-paying jobs and
often remain trapped in a cycle of poverty. The rich, on the other hand, have
access to better education and opportunities, which increases their chances
of success and upward mobility. The disparity in education between the rich
and the poor in India is stark. While the affluent section of the society can
afford to send their children to high-end private schools that offer world class
education, the poor often have to rely on government schools, which are
known for their poor infrastructure, lack of resources, and low-quality
teaching. The result is a significant difference in the quality of education
received by these two groups. The quality of education that a child receives
has a significant impact on their life. It not only determines their future career
prospects but also shapes their personality and values, And for the worse
sometimes children do not even get the opportunity of getting educated.
Mostly parents of poor household encourage their children to work instead
of going to school to meet their everyday needs.

How to create awareness about education?

Making parents and children aware about the importance of education plays
an crucial role in achieving the goal of educating everyone across the
country. There is no other way than spending our time to educate the poor
about the importance of education , participate in rallies , organize meetings
for parents , and encouraging them to take part in it . The role of government
in these kind of programs Is crucial, as all these program’s requires a huge
sum of money . None other than the government can help to afford for the
better tomorrow .
Challenges in educating everyone:
Despite its transformative potential, educating the poor is riddled with
challenges. Structural inequalities, including lack of access to schools,
inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities, hinder educational
opportunities for marginalized communities. Additionally, financial constraints
often force families to prioritize immediate needs over long-term investments
in education. Moreover, cultural attitudes, gender norms, and societal
prejudices can further exacerbate barriers to education, particularly for girls
and marginalized groups.
Worries of the poor:
When we start to talk about education with the economically backward class
one most prominent answer we get is that “ we want our children to get
proper education but we are helpless as we don’t have enough fund”.

Poor people often think that education is a luxury with is not a myth though ,
They say that they have a lot more problem’s other than no proper education
facility. They are more worried about getting a proper 3 squared meal all day.
This is the pathetic condition of our country
Strategies to overcome the gap:
Addressing the educational needs of the poor requires a comprehensive
approach that addresses both immediate challenges and underlying systemic
issues. Key strategies include
Improving Access: Expand access to quality education by building schools in
underserved areas, providing transportation facilities, and offering
scholarships or subsidies to economically disadvantaged students.
Enhancing Quality: Ensure that education is not only accessible but also of
high quality. This involves recruiting and training qualified teachers, updating
curriculum to be relevant and inclusive, and providing adequate learning
resources.

Community Engagement: Foster partnerships between schools, families, and

local communities to create a supportive environment for learning. Engage
parents in their children's education, raise awareness about the importance of
schooling, and involve community leaders in advocating for educational
reforms.
Addressing Socio-economic Barriers: Implement social protection programs
that alleviate financial burdens on families, such as cash transfers or school
feeding programs. Additionally, provide vocational training and adult
education programs to empower adults with skills for employment and
entrepreneurship.
Promoting Gender Equality: Tackle gender disparities in education by
addressing cultural norms, providing safe learning environments for girls, and
implementing policies that ensure equal access and opportunities for all.

Is educating everyone practically possible?:

This way of thinking motivated the provision of 25% seats in private schools to
children from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups
under the Right to Education law, a patchily implemented policy at best.
According to March 2022 news report from Telangana, hardly any of the
1.75 lakh seats for the EWS and disadvantaged students had been filled in the
State, and school principals cited the ‘lack of hygiene’ among poorer students
as one reason for the neglect. According to a study by the National
Commission for the Protection of Child Rights in Delhi, whose State
government claims to be pro-actively implementing the policy, only 18% of
the mandatory 25% of students were admitted to entry-level classes in private
schools.
The dropout rate among students admitted under this policy was around
10%. Only 10% of new admissions due to vacancies in higher classes went to
the beneficiary category of students.
Even if implemented faithfully, only a fraction of children from these
categories can access private school education. Quality education for all other
children remains unaddressed. The policy implicitly acknowledges that State-
run schools will not provide education of the quality that private schools can
provide
There are the pedagogical and psychological consequences of removing
young children from the milieu of their homes and neighbourhoods and
placing them (even for a few hours a day) in an unfamiliar and more affluent
environment. Their families cannot provide the resources available to their
better-off peers. According to the NCPCR report, many parents find it tough to
buy textbooks prescribed in private schools and cannot pay for group outings
like picnics. Almost all private schools teach in English, which can be traumatic
for children without exposure to the language at home. A policy driven by a
sense of charity for the poor devalues their life world. A healthy, self-affirming
psyche for young children would build on the positives of their familial and
community lives rather than aiming for what they lack.
Can a child be proud of what her parents do if her family is economically
destitute? Can she enjoy playing with her neighbourhood buddies in
cramped spaces? Or must she always look across the class divide for anything
worthwhile? A healthy school environment should help her develop her
abilities in harmony with her circumstances. Government schools—where her
peers study—provide inadequate education. If she gets admission to a private
school, she is removed from her milieu. Both conditions in neo-liberal India fail
him/her.

From the above we can infer that only of government takes initiatives to make
the quality of Gov. school’s better more children can get proper education.
Until the poor will lack behind future.

Conclusion:

Educating the poor is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic
investment in the future. By breaking down barriers to education and
empowering the economically disadvantaged, we can foster inclusive
growth, reduce inequality, and build more resilient and prosperous societies.
It requires concerted efforts from governments, civil society, the private sector,
and international organizations to create an enabling environment where
every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the
opportunity to fulfill their potential through education.