Education in india
Annawadi is in direct violation of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. While education is available, it is not compulsory or adequate. "Spreading educational opportunities was not among the Indian government's strong suits" (35), and therefore, anyone hoping for a decent education is forced to pay about 300 rupees a year. The public school near the airport "stopped at eighth grade, and its teachers often didn't show up" (35), abandoning everyone without enough money who wants to enjoy a freedom that they are denied.
It is strange how education is not more prevalent or more invested in in India. During exam time, "parents were reluctant to leave their huts and risk having their children abandon their textbooks" (76)*. Where there are schools, there is corruption. Often times, school teachers "conduct class only on days when the supervisor came to check" (88). It is unfair since "as every slum dweller knows, there [are] only three main ways out of poverty" (88), one of them education. One of the only ways Annawadians can propel themselves out of poverty and slums is through education which is paradoxically only available to those who aren't poor.
It is strange how education is not more prevalent or more invested in in India. During exam time, "parents were reluctant to leave their huts and risk having their children abandon their textbooks" (76)*. Where there are schools, there is corruption. Often times, school teachers "conduct class only on days when the supervisor came to check" (88). It is unfair since "as every slum dweller knows, there [are] only three main ways out of poverty" (88), one of them education. One of the only ways Annawadians can propel themselves out of poverty and slums is through education which is paradoxically only available to those who aren't poor.
why should we help
The educational deficit is not only in India but in other impoverished parts of the world. By educating and helping Indians, we create a more educated, more advanced world with access to more minds and more ideas. Everyone has novel ideas, but depriving them of a medium to share and mold these ideas deprives the world of innovation.
How can we help
There are hundreds and hundreds of programs dedicated to alleviating poverty throughout the world. The common denominator with problems such as education seems to be poverty. Organizations like UNICEF help children all around the world where they lack resources and supplies. Getting involved with poverty relief efforts can help combat the underlying causes of poor education and ultimately exacerbate many other problems.
More direct approaches the education problem are the primary focus to WorldTeach. WorldTeach recruits students from around the world to travel to countries such as India to teach and guide young students. This program has spread to countries in Africa, Asia, and South America where education is being instilled in places never thought possible.
Becoming a pen pal with a child in India can enable them to use and extend English skills beyond the classroom. Besides making a new friend, students can both learn about one another's cultures and traditions while helping each other.
More direct approaches the education problem are the primary focus to WorldTeach. WorldTeach recruits students from around the world to travel to countries such as India to teach and guide young students. This program has spread to countries in Africa, Asia, and South America where education is being instilled in places never thought possible.
Becoming a pen pal with a child in India can enable them to use and extend English skills beyond the classroom. Besides making a new friend, students can both learn about one another's cultures and traditions while helping each other.
1+2=4
Page numbers from Katherine Boo's Behind the Beautiful Forevers e-book.