“The
things that I learned from my grandfather and father, [are more] useful and
practical than things which others learn from the school.”
Those are the words of GunabandiyaUruwarige, Wanniyala-Aetto chief, a Sri
Lanka tribe. We think that represent the general condition of rural areas all
around India in fact of education.
Even if India
is considered to be one of the fastest-growing economy, there is a large amount
of extra-urban areas where the situation is much different. India is the second
largest country in terms of population and the seventh largest in terms of
area, so it is difficult to speak generally about the features and the issues
of this country. Furthermore, when it comes to educationthere are many factors
about traditional habits that should be seen.
Percent literates by level of
education in India 2001
Source: censusindia.gov.in
First of all, there is a huge
difference between boys and girls in relation to school attendance. For
instance, according to the Literacy Rate 2011 census female literacy levels are
65.46% where the male literacy is over 80%.This is due to religion and cultural
reasons and it is a matter of fact that in rural areas girls are not receiving
equal access to primary education. But what are the real reasons
that involve children to this
habit? We think the main ones are economic and cultural. The villages we are
talking about have subsistence economies, often the only source of income and
living, based on agriculture. Therefore, it is common for the children to help
their parents in working and for girls to staying at home and help with
housekeeping. In addition, menstrual period is a serious problem which involves
girls attending school. Since it is considered a taboo, girls usually stay home
to respect their traditional social customs. Indeed, their family would prefer
to “protect” them in any situation, not only during their periods but also in
their everyday life. For instance, the child marriage which is very common in
rural areas is a form of “protection” by their parents: is the only way they
have to protect family honour. Child marriage is also a fact of money of
course. It is normal for the girl’s family to provide a dowry, but it the boy’s side of the family can raise the
dowry if they suspects he has been in school with boys during puberty.
What has HEEALS
done for education among boys and girls in rural villages in India?
Since 2010 Heeals is
strongly concerned in programmes with villages and rural communities about
Wash; Menstrual Hygene and Health; Education. Our mission is to deal against
taboos that involve fear and insecurity in people and in children above all.
One of our major project is “pads for girls” and we strongly think that giving
help and health care could change traditional habits about periods and let
girls feel free. The Course of Self-defence we are planning is also an
important opportunity for girls to reach a physically and mentally security.
Furthermore, our workshops and projects are even made for boys,
because it is fundamental to include everybody in order to change dangerous
habits.
-Nancy
(wash intern)
REFERENCES
.jpg)
