In a bid to arm grannies with education, member of Parliament, Om Birla, and Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (CFCL) have launched the Matri Gyan Kendra in Kachnawada village in Sangod region of Rajasthan’s Kota district. The centre was inaugurated on Monday (Oct 30) with an aim to ameliorate the lives of the grandmothers of this region.
The Classes
Classes at the centre had already begun two months ago. They are held in the evening from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. This ensures that the elderly women are able to attend classes without disturbing their household work.
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The grandmothers are happy that they can finally fulfil their childhood dream of getting an education. They cited lack of awareness and encouragement as major reasons that kept them away from seeking education.
One of them said she wants to learn to write her name so she can draw money money from banks without having to put a thumb impression
Promoting education
Om Birla told TOI: “I conducted a survey of education among rural women and found that a large number of them were illiterate, so we decided to start these kendras in the rural areas."
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Om Birla, who is an MP from Kota, laid stress on educating women. He added that a literate woman can persuade the children in the family for literacy in a more effective manner. This is necessary to ensure complete literacy in society.
Future plans
He mentioned that four more such centres will be opened in government schools in the district.
Other such schools
Aajibaichi Shala is another school in Thane district of Maharasthtra where grannies learn to write, read and multiply in Marathi.
The grandmothers' buoyant attitude towards life and their resolve to study is inspiring. It proves that it is never too late to usher in a new phase in your life.
Pic Credit: Hindustan Times