Bus schools are ticket to education for India’s poorest kids

Last month, the Indian Government passed a new bill promising free education to all children between six and 14 years old. But many barriers must be overcome to make this law a reality for the five million youngsters who don’t go to school.

DFID is supporting an innovative Bus Schools project to reach 200 of New Delhi’s poorest kids who live in the city’s slums. By taking education to their doorstep, the Bus Schools provide teaching for the most marginalised children and help prepare them to join a formal school.

Core Facts

The Bus School goes to four locations around Delhi everyday, offering 2 hours of teaching at each spot
It is fully equipped with a variety of teaching and learning material, including computers, TV, books, DVDs and soft toys
More than 400 of the hardest-to-reach children have benefited from the project so far, with 200 going on to join formal primary schools
With our support the Indian Government plans to increase the number of Bus Schools to 25 – providing an education for an estimated 5,000 more children a year
Since 2003, the Indian Government’s education drive has led to 30 million more children attending school, supported by DFID with £300 million of funding over the past five years
India is likely to meet its targets for primary education set out by the Millennium Development Goals thanks to the rise in enrolment of primary school children
We will give a further £70 million up until 2010 to help reach these targets

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Quotes

Mike Foster, Minister for International Development

“By expanding this innovative scheme, we will reach thousands more disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have the benefit of an education.

“We know that education is a route out of poverty. Children who receive an education are much more likely to grow up to be healthier, wealthier and have a longer life expectancy, as well as contribute more to their country’s economy.”

Sudama, Bus School teacher

“If the children can’t make it to school, we take the school to their doorstep.

“Our goal is ‘mission to admission’, to prepare these kids in the Bus School and get them admitted to a formal primary school.”

Durgesh, Bus School worker

“They feel a great pride in the bus because it comes especially for them. Without the bus, they stand no chance of getting back to school.

“Without the bus, they stand no chance of getting back to school. It transforms their lives and gives them hope.”