Education Aid

Families living in slums in subhuman conditions often struggle for existence; every day is a fight for survival-for food, clothing and shelter. They yearn for better deal in life; they would like their children to be educated. Quite a few even brave this, compromising with their basic needs and send their children to school, but sooner than later, because of large families and unaffordable costs of education withdraw their children after two to three years; these children, are exploited as child labourers, giving rise to one more cycle of want and deprivation as this generation repeats the cycle.

The drop outs take place usually at the beginning of the year as parents face a big bill for “beginning of the year costs” for the text books, note books, stationary, uniforms, even in the non fee charging (Municipal/ Govt. schools)/aided schools. In most of the aided schools too, at the primary levels (I-IV) the fees (admission, term fees and tuition fees) are pretty high.

Our observance from decades is that if assistance in form of scholarship is provided to cover this “beginning of the year costs”, the drop outs can be arrested with better retention and higher educational levels of attainment.

The problem is colossal and requires that the marginalized and the poorest of the poor urban slum dwellers are provided assistance “scholarships” to take care of the “beginning of the year educational costs” in order to prevent them from pulling their children out of school.

These scholarships should be continued year to year, preferably through the entire schooling period for children enrolled at Non-aided schools and most certainly at Primary levels at schools aided.

Continuous support i.e. such intervention every year for 5 years especially for these marginalized children from Std. I/II to Std VI/ VII as well as any levels beyond until which level the parent would have supported. It would help in ensuring that these children would continue their education and clearly see the benefits of completing their schooling.

MESCO has been assisting marginalized students on a multiyear basis by providing the funds to meet the “start up” costs and preventing the students from being drop-outs. In this respect during the year 2022-23 we helped 2823 students at School level & 1256 students at college level. The average cost for these students put together works to about Rs.8,000/-.

 The biggest benefit of the scheme is that aid is provided continuously on a year to year basis from nursery right up to graduation levels. Unless there is a disqualification due to varied reasons

 Since it is a means based facility even an average student can pursue his/her education without it being a financial burden on the family

 Families with limited resources usually invest in male child education. Aid supports many a female child to be educated

 The aid facilitates many a first generation learners/professionals thereby creating a very positive effect at the family/society level.

 Prevents dropouts & child labour & also facilitates education which prevents children from antisocial activities

 The fees support results in self sufficiency & in turn empower & give self confidence to the adults & children of the family over a period.

 Qualifications results in a better job/ or being a professional this increases family income & results in an improved quality of life.

 Education & an enhanced family income puts a stop to adults/children from engaging in anti social activities resulting in a better society / world at large.

 Increased awareness of life & the world.