A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative Supporting Learning Amidst India’s Largest Cultural Gathering
Educate Girls, a non-profit dedicated to bridging the gender gap in education, has launched a groundbreaking initiative, ‘Vidya Kumbh’, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department. This makeshift primary school, established at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, ensures uninterrupted access to education for children of migrant workers accompanying their families to the event. The program was inaugurated in December 2024 by Ms. Akanksha Rana, Special Officer of the Maha Kumbh Mela Authority, who commended the initiative:
Vidya Kumbh is a commendable initiative that inspires children from labourer families to embrace education and secure their future. This effort to prioritise education amidst the grand Maha Kumbh Mela will bring meaningful change to these children’s lives.
Addressing Education Gaps Amidst Migration
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is India’s largest religious and cultural gathering, drawing millions of devotees, tourists, and workers from across the nation. While the event generates significant economic activity and employs over 90,000 workers, it also disrupts the education of children accompanying migrant families. Recognizing this challenge, Vidya Kumbh ensures foundational learning for these children. The school runs for four months, providing access to educational materials, life-skills training, and a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development.
Innovative Approach to Education
Foundational Learning Tools
A highlight of the initiative is the distribution of ‘Gyan Ka Pitara’, Educate Girls’ supplementary and remedial learning kits designed for Grades 3-5. These kits focus on foundational literacy and numeracy, bridging learning gaps and promoting academic success.
Vikram Solanki, Director of Operations at Educate Girls, emphasized, Vidya Kumbh underscores the importance of taking education to where children are, ensuring no child is left behind due to socio-economic circumstances. This initiative brings foundational learning directly to children, creating opportunities for their future.
Highlighting the Role of Girls’ Education
Several out-of-school girls, previously identified by Educate Girls in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, were found attending Vidya Kumbh. This underscores the program’s critical role in connecting children, especially girls, to education during transient circumstances.
Support from Authorities
Praveen Kumar Tiwari, Basic Education Officer, Prayagraj, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders contributing to the initiative, Vidya Kumbh promotes education and connects children to foundational learning for a better future. I am confident this initiative will succeed and leave a lasting impact at the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Dignitaries present at the inauguration included:
- Dr. Anand Singh, Additional Chief Medical Officer.
- Mr. Rajeev Tripathi, Deputy Commissioner, Basic Education Department.