Children at state-run shelters to get education

For children lodged in Delhi government-run shelters, this will surely come as a new ray of hope.Children in nine such shelters will be able to earn certificates from the National Institute of Open School, allowing them to continue with their education once they come out.

For children lodged in Delhi government-run shelters, this will surely come as a new ray of hope.
Children in nine such shelters will be able to earn certificates from the National Institute of Open School, allowing them to continue with their education once they come out.

HT Image

While the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan targets 100 per cent literacy, children lodged in government homes, especially those in conflict with law, have so far remained untouched by these efforts.

While many of these children are runaways and destitutes, a sizeable number are also those in conflict with law. At a number of these homes both categories live together.

Following a recent Delhi government decision, children in these homes will be bunched in groups and work towards getting Class III, V and VIII certificates. This will help them get admission in mainstream schools.

“I realised these kids just watch television all day. That is not how we can hope to give them a good life,” said Social Welfare minister Kiran Walia.

Not just children, even women in government shelters will benefit from these educational programmes.

“We will rehabilitate these women through adult education programmes. They will also get certificates from NIOS for Classes III, V and VIII along with vocational training,” said an official.

Every centre will have three designated teachers. Two vocational courses of one-month duration will also be provided.

“We will try to educate them based on their educational background, intelligence and length of stay,” said Walia.

So far, only very young children at the Lajpat Nagar home have been attending school.

There are others in Bal Sadan, Timarpur, who have not got education because of the stigma attached to their parents who are leprosy patients.