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A strange phenomenon is happening in my state #Uttarakhand If you understand this in context of the "mood of the nation" you will understand what I am talking about. A lot of parents are sending their kids back to GOVERNMENT schools. Yes!
Now, you might ask, what is the big deal? The big deal is that even though it is good news, it is a big blow to the aspirational mindset of a common village family. I will tell you how.
A few years ago, several new "English Medium" schools started sprouting here.
A few years ago, several new "English Medium" schools started sprouting here.
These schools often taught primary classes, sometimes till class 8th. The aim of the schools was to give the "English Medium" education that the rural parents aspired for.
The schools weren't necessarily providing quality education.
The schools weren't necessarily providing quality education.
But they all had one thing in common- education in English, sometimes a school bus to pick and drop kids and always a convent-style school dress with a tie. Yep! You get that Dehradun school feel right in your village.
The fee was obviously higher than a govt school and there was no mid-day meal but it worked because the school fulfilled the parents' aspirations of giving education that they couldn't get themselves and maybe create a better anglicized future.
Since the lockdown began, several parents have started enrolling their kids back to the govt. schools. I wish someone did a survey to check the exact scale of this phenomenon. I can only tell you that it is happening.
The reason is clear- the rural Uttarakhandi is worried about his income. The reason is clear, at least on the surface- a government school with low fees and mid-day meal is a far better option than a fancier looking "English Medium"
No more aspirations, only survival.
No more aspirations, only survival.
