There might be a whole lot of things that every parent wants to give their children, but education tops the list. Unfortunately, for many parents who are also daily wage earners in rural Dharwad, ensuring that children go to school and actually learn is a challenge.
Our program sessions in Dharwad often face attendance issues. The reasons vary, ranging from health issues and family problems to the insincere attitude of students.
Luckily, Dharwad’s team of PAs, PMs, and community ambassadors put in extra effort to alleviate the situation.
Children accompanying their teacher (our program associate) during his field visit to talk to the community members
They regularly visit parents, especially those who do not make it to the meet-ups and orientations. The idea is to understand the reasons for absence and inform parents about the importance of our programs.
Recently, the Build program team in Mummigatti and the Create program team in Yadawad went to meet the parents of year 1 and year 2 students of the intervention. They were received affectionately by parents who were touched by the efforts put in by the teachers.
Our small initiative to meet parents at their homes and understand their circumstances has benefited a lot of students. Last year, our Build program sessions at GHPS school in Hanamanakoppa faced attendance issues, but after Program Associate Nikhat Mullanavar’s visit to meet the parents, not only did the students start showing up, but they also came out as one of the brightest and most energetic batches in the area.
These visits also serve another purpose. They help teachers understand the social circumstances, making the learning process more suitable for students.
When we make schools accessible for children, it’s important that we indulge all stakeholders, including parents, for education to truly benefit society. The commitment of our team in Dharwad serves as a powerful reminder that education is not just about what happens within the classroom walls; it’s a collaborative effort that involves understanding and addressing the unique challenges that each student and their family may face in their educational journey. And because not all families can afford to reach schools, it’s important that schools reach these families.
