Education
to prevent child labour & human trafficking
We envision a world where every child is protected from labor exploitation and has access to quality education and a nurturing environment. Our goal is to create a future where children can grow, learn, and play without the burden of labor.
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Our mission is to eradicate child labor by advocating for children’s rights, providing educational opportunities, and supporting vulnerable families. We are committed to ensuring that every child can enjoy a childhood free from exploitation and has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
What do we want to achieve with the boarding home?
We aim to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can access education, healthcare, and emotional support. Outline the specific objectives of the boarding home, such as improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children, providing access to education, and fostering a supportive community.
EDUCATION DENIED:
GENERATIONAL CASTE SYSTEM
​The caste system in India has historically created significant barriers to education, particularly for those in lower castes, often referred to as Dalits or Scheduled Castes.
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Social Discrimination:
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Exclusion from Schools: Lower caste individuals often faced social ostracism and were excluded from educational institutions, particularly in rural areas. This exclusion not only limited their access to formal education but also perpetuated cycles of poverty and illiteracy.
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Economic Barriers:
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Poverty: Many families from lower castes struggle with economic hardships, making it difficult to afford education-related expenses such as books, uniforms, and fees. This economic disadvantage has historically prevented children from attending school.
Limited Resources:
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Underfunded Schools: Schools in regions predominantly inhabited by lower castes often receive less funding and resources, resulting in poor infrastructure, lack of qualified teachers, and insufficient learning materials.
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Cultural Norms:
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Traditional Roles: The caste system has perpetuated traditional roles and expectations that prioritize labour over education for lower castes. Many families may not see the value of formal education, leading to generational cycles of un-education.
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Social Stigma:
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Discrimination in Education: Students from lower castes often face discrimination from peers and teachers, leading to an unwelcoming educational environment. This stigma can discourage attendance and participation.
Legal and Policy Challenges:
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Ineffective Implementation of Policies: While India has enacted laws aimed at promoting education and reducing caste-based discrimination (like the Right to Education Act), the implementation of these policies often falls short, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
​Access to Higher Education:
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Barriers to Advancement: Even when lower caste individuals gain access to primary education, they often face significant hurdles in pursuing higher education, including social discrimination and financial constraints.
CHILD LABOUR:
A SYSTEMATIC EXPLOITATION
Child labour is a significant barrier to education for many children in India. Here’s an exploration of how child labour impacts educational access, quality, and outcomes:
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Economic Necessity
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Immediate Financial Contribution: Many families, especially those in low-income brackets, rely on the income generated by their children. This economic pressure often prioritizes work over education, leading to high rates of child labour.
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Cycle of Poverty: Children engaged in labour miss out on education, which limits their future job prospects. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as they remain stuck in low-paying jobs without the skills needed for advancement.
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Irregular Schooling: Children who work often struggle to attend school consistently. Their irregular attendance leads to gaps in learning, making it difficult to keep up with their peers.
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Dropout Rates: High levels of child labour correlate with increased dropout rates. Once children leave school for work, it becomes challenging to return, further exacerbating educational inequities.
Quality of Education
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Under-resourced Schools: Children from labouring backgrounds may attend schools that are poorly funded and lack essential resources, impacting the quality of education they receive.
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Teacher Attention: Overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages often mean that children who are not regular attendees receive less attention and support, hindering their academic progress.
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Health Implications
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Physical Exhaustion: The demands of labour can lead to fatigue, making it hard for children to concentrate and engage in classroom activities.
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Health Issues: Many child labourers work in hazardous conditions, leading to physical and mental health problems that can further impede their educational performance.
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​Psychological Effects
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Stress and Anxiety: Balancing work and education can cause significant stress for children, affecting their mental well-being and academic performance.
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Low Motivation: The harsh realities of child labour can lead to feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem, diminishing a child’s motivation to pursue education.
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Social and Cultural Factors
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Normalization of Child Labour: In some communities, child labour is seen as a norm. Families may not prioritize education, viewing work as a necessary means of survival rather than an investment in the future.
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Gender Disparities: Girls are often disproportionately affected by child labour, especially in households that prioritize boys’ education. This results in higher dropout rates for girls.