Non-profits chip in to spread awareness about Act

Non-profits working towards educating underprivileged children will now begin drives in slum areas to spread awareness about their right to quality education. For the past ten days, Voice, a non-profit working with street children across Mumbai, will be going from door-to-door in slum areas to talk to families.

Non-profits working towards educating underprivileged children will now begin drives in slum areas to spread awareness about their right to quality education. For the past ten days, Voice, a non-profit working with street children across Mumbai, will be going from door-to-door in slum areas to talk to families.

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“Right now, children appear for their exams through the National Institute of Open Schooling. But in the future, students can get quality education by joining private schools under this provision”, said Victor Bansiwar, founder trustee, Voice.

Santanu Mishra, co-founder of Smile Foundation said efforts should be made to prepare underprivileged children to adapt to the education system in privileged schools.

“Privileged children also need to be sensitised so that underprivileged children feel comfortable studying with them,” said Mishra.

Beena Advani, 52, co-founder of Angel Express Foundation, that teaches slum children in Bandra, is helping these children prepare for a proper school education. She teaching them the language and mannerisms needed to integrate with mainstream education.

“We are checking if these children (those from slums in Bandra) can read small words, identify letters, numbers and count and teaching them the basics. We are going to make the most of the Act,” said Advani.

However, some organisations have raised concerns about the adaptability factor.

“Private schools have a more elaborate syllabus and homework, which homeless and street children may not be able to cope with,” said Peter Paul, founder of Good Samaritan that works with homeless children.