Rebuilding hope: a journey with a government school
Sushmita Aripirala
Schools are institutions that preserve knowledge, inspire curiosity, and foster a love for learning. However, at the beginning of every academic year, two common themes dominate the news: exorbitant fees collected by private schools and the dilapidated conditions of government schools. These issues grab attention for a while, only to fade away, moving to the last pages of newspapers and eventually out of sight.
Have you ever wondered why government schools are in such a state, despite the presence of around 400,000 NGOs working tirelessly to improve education in government schools? Do we really need these many organizations to address the issue? Why do most corporates allocate their CSR budgets to education by adopting government schools? Until two generations ago, people only went to government schools and they did well in life. So, how and why did the state of these schools change?
Current School Entrance
Photos Courtesy: Sushmita Aripirala
For almost a decade, I have been working with various government schools. Wherever I went, I encountered poor infrastructure – insufficient classrooms, inadequate teachers, and hundreds of students crammed into few classrooms. Basic facilities like functioning toilets were often missing. I remember, and sometimes still practice, drinking minimal water to avoid using the toilets in these schools. Students frequently must go home to use the toilet, a sad reality they are forced to endure. Why should they have to do this? Why can’t they have a good functioning toilet? Why can’t they study comfortably in decent classrooms with good benches, clean walls, and a neat whiteboard? Is it because they come from economically weaker sections? Or is it because the government isn’t interested in upgrading the standards of its schools? Why are these students denied their basic rights?
One recent experience stands out. I always felt bad about the condition of government schools but did not know how to solve the problem. Principals often talked about infrastructure issues and I was aware these required a significant amount of money. I finally decided to see if there was anything I could do. I knew I was aiming high, but I decided to give it a try. There was always a 50-50 chance I could succeed, and that possibility kept me going.
I researched on how to rebuild a government school. The more I read, the more disheartened I felt. According to a UNESCO report, there are around 1.5 million schools in India, with the majority being government-run. Many of these schools are in poor condition. In Agra, for instance, 70-80% of government school buildings are dilapidated, posing serious risks to students’ safety. These statistics gave me sleepless nights but also ignited a fire within me. I had to do something, even if it was just a drop in the ocean.
I started reaching out to various organizations for support. Most turned me down, and some listened but ultimately declined because they couldn’t support an individual. I regretted not having a registered NGO. Every door seemed shut, it seemed like I was endlessly waiting for an opportunity. One morning, I received a message from a teacher at a government school with whom I had previously worked. The teacher sent pictures showing that Round Table India (an organization that works to bring about change in the community) had helped build two new classrooms. This was the lead I was looking for.
I gathered information about Round Table India and tried to contact them. After a while, they responded and agreed to visit the school I was hoping to rebuild. I explained the situation, and after seeing it, they agreed to work on the project. It was a joyous moment, but the pandemic hit, putting everything on hold. Corporates redirected their CSR funds to support employees, and I got too busy with my life. The project got stalled, but I was keen to finish what I started.
After a year or so, I reached out to Round Table India again. They were willing to resume but needed financial backing. They asked me if I could find a sponsor. Despite previous experiences of rejections, I agreed. I went back, researched, and reached out to people but nothing worked. I reached out to some of my friends in the social sector to see if anyone could help. They shared a few contacts and I spoke to them as well. They said they would help but never got back.
New School Kitchen
Finally, one of the corporates showed interest. After exchanging a few emails, they gave the green light and said they would sponsor the project partially. Meanwhile, Round Table India came up with another sponsor and finally we were ready with the budget we needed. The project kickstarted in April this year and is expected to be ready by June. By the time this article is published, there will be a new school building that accommodates 200 odd students.
What I am doing is just a drop in the ocean, but it brings me immense happiness and pushes me forward in my journey. If you know of a school that needs similar support, feel free to reach out to me. Financial background should not hinder access to quality education, which is a fundamental right.
Working on this project taught me that while the challenges are immense, the satisfaction of making a difference, no matter how small, is invaluable. As I continue my journey, I hope to inspire others to act and contribute in their own ways. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every effort counts.
Reflecting on the conditions of government schools, it’s evident that investing in education requires dedication, resources, and a collective will to make a difference. It’s about recognizing the value of education and committing to creating spaces where children can learn without fear, without having to compromise on their dignity and safety. It’s about building a future where every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the chance to succeed.
This journey, although challenging, has shown me the power of perseverance and the impact one can make. I invite you to join me in this mission. Together, we can rebuild, restore, and renew the essence of education in government schools, ensuring that they too become places where dreams are nurtured, and futures are built.
The author has moved on from working as a senior system architect to a passionate advocate for educational and social initiatives. Today, she wholeheartedly engages with low-income private schools and government institutions, championing equitable education and community development. She can be reached at Sushmita.aripirala@gmail.com
