Every year many families in the Nimar region travel for seasonal work on farms, at brick kilns and on building sites in other districts and states, often for several months. Children usually go with their parents. When they come back, they have missed months of school and their class has moved on without them.
Why do children drop out after coming back?
- They cannot follow the lesson where the class has reached.
- They are older than the children who are at their level, and feel embarrassed.
- Nobody at home can help them catch up.
The Right to Education Act, 2009 already recognises this: section 4 says a child admitted to a class suited to their age has the right to special training to catch up. Bridge classes are one practical way to give it.
What is a bridge class?
A bridge class is a short class in the village, held daily or on weekends, that works on reading, writing and arithmetic at the child’s own level. It does not replace school. Its only job is to help a child sit in their regular class again and follow what is being taught.
How will the classes run?
- Start with a simple reading and maths check for each child.
- Teach in small groups by level, not by age.
- Meet in the village, at a time that suits families.
- Stay in touch with the school teacher, so the child moves back into class.
- Help families with scholarship forms along the way.
How can you help?
We need volunteers who can teach reading or maths in Hindi for a few hours a week, retired teachers who can guide them, and simple story books for early readers. See the Get Involved page or call +91 87188 19093.