Education for children: Providing a basic necessity in the simplest way

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

– Nelson Mandela

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. 

– Malcolm X

That the importance of education cannot be undermined is quite evident from the words of these great men. With a literacy rate of around 90 percent, Goa is one of the leading states in India in terms of literacy. While this statistic is heartening, literacy is not an accurate indicator of the education of the population. Education is an all-encompassing term that includes literacy and competency to complete tasks and live in a society. At the basic level, it helps to improve one’s life skills. Enough said about how education is the cornerstone of the quality of life. 

The reality is strikingly different. According to World Bank statistics, the Indian government’s ‘Education for All’ program has managed to bring nearly 20 million children into primary schools and the focus has now shifted to quality of education as well. However, children still form a significant portion of the workforce today, despite there being laws preventing child labour. Here are some hard hitting statistics (source: CRY, Census 2011) – 

• Only 32 percent of children in India complete their school education

• More than 30 million children between the ages of 5 and 18 are engaged in labour

There is a lot more work to be accomplished in terms of access to education in India. However, even a small start somewhere goes a long way. And a prime example is the work done by Robert Lyon and his organisation, Goa Outreach. 

Robert came to Goa with a friend to volunteer at an NGO for children over 12-13 years ago. Much like many of us, he fell in love with the State and decided to stay on. But he also decided to make a difference. Robert’s organisation, Goa Outreach, started about three years ago, is based in Mapusa. Goa Outreach aims to help local disadvantaged children from the area, mostly slum and street children with their education. The work is especially challenging since a large number of children don’t belong to the State and have migrated to Goa with their parents who came here in search of work. 

Goa Outreach presently helps over 100 children in school enrolment. Children are provided with school bags, stationery, books etc to ensure that they are ready for the school like any other child would be. What Robert realised over the last few years was that just providing the school material was not enough. Health and hygiene was a major concern for the slum dwelling children. The organisation also supports with medical issues and encouraging good hygiene. Robert provides the children enrolled with him with soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc. This ensures they stay in school and are not bogged down by health issues. 

Robert’s home in Mapusa also provides a haven for the older children in the program to sit down peacefully and prepare for their exams. Funds for the organization are raised through individual donors and friends as well as the three young and energetic trustees of Goa Outreach, Ishita Godinho, Rhys De Souza and Rahul Faria. There was also a successful marathon organised last year to raise funds for the charity.

The emphasis is on bringing these children into the mainstream as much as possible. For instance, when he found a BMX bicycle for sale last year, Robert purchased it and now the children get to take turns using the bike. Each month the bike is given to a new group of children to ‘share’ and take home, one child is put in charge and then that child allows the other children to use it. There are several other such projects when the funds permit. There’s also grocery distribution to the families during Diwali or gifts for Christmas. Engaging the parents in the program is equally important. And as Robert points out, it’s a tough task as well since most parents are not educated either.

It’s deeply satisfying to watch the children choosing their school bag or compass box for the next year at school. It’s not about the materials but the impetus they provide the child to look forward to school and the learning that comes with it.

The impact of education is not just on the child but on the whole family as well. As Robert says, “These children will grow up and ensure their own children get a proper education as well. That is the domino effect required in the long run.