The Satya Bharti School Programme under Bharti Foundation provides free education to over 38,000 children through its 254 schools across six states in India. The CEO of Bharti Foundation, Vijay Chadda, in an interaction with FE?s Abhishek Chakraborty, says he is planning to increase the outreach of the programme by adding 500 primary schools and 50 senior secondary schools. Excerpts:
What needs to be done to improve the education scenario in rural India?
There is an urgent need to broadbase our educational system and to nurture talent from all corners of the country, especially rural India. Children in these areas continue to be deprived of quality education owing to factors such as lack of competent and committed teachers, and lack of textbooks. There needs to be a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to create a discernible impact. Today, private companies have realised the importance of their participation and are coming forward.
How has the Satya Bharti initiative helped in developing local community?
Bharti Foundation is providing education to over 38,000 children, of which 49% are girls and 75% belong to the SC/ST/OBC category. The foundation currently operates in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu through 254 schools. We provide income-generation opportunities to local entrepreneurs. And through our schools, we provide employment to over 1,500 village youth, of which 59% are females.
How has the programme benefited girls?
We encourage participation of girls in extra-curricular activities. Education at the Satya Bharti schools is supported by additional schemes such as free school uniforms, books, copies, stationery, mid-day meals, etc. We inculcate basic hygiene and sanitation habits amongst the girl children by providing separate toilets.
Do you think education can change the mindset of people in rural areas, especially in Haryana?
Haryana is a relatively well-developed state but its social indices are quite low. In terms of literacy rate, the state is ranked 13th and has a considerably low female-male ratio. Thus, the establishments of Satya Bharti schools in the villages of Haryana that cater to the empowerment of the girl child serve a multiple purpose. There are 46 Satya Bharti schools in three districts of Haryana and the foundation aims to increase the existing number of 5,000 female students in the near future.
For example in Adhon, an agricultural village in Haryana, the literacy rate was poor. Most parents hesitated to attend the parent-teacher meetings. The students of class V took up the responsibility of educating the parents and the rest of the community through a 15-day adult literacy programme. The students held meetings with the members of the Panchayat to involve them in the campaign and inspired the villagers to attend the student-held classes. Such initiatives can go a long way in changing the mindsets.
What next?
We are planning to scale up the Satya Bharti initiative and add 500 primary schools and 50 senior secondary schools to the programme.
