Non-profit organisation Educate Girls, dedicated to closing the gender gap in education, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department, has taken a pioneering step by establishing 'Vidya Kumbh' – a special make-shift primary school – at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. This first-of-its-kind initiative ensures uninterrupted access to education for children of migrant labourers accompanying their families to the event from different parts of the country. The event was inaugurated by Ms. Akanksha Rana, Special Officer, Maha Kumbh Mela Authority.
At the event, Ms Akanksha Rana praised the program, stating, "Vidya Kumbh is a commendable initiative that will inspire children from labourer families towards education and secure their future. This effort to prioritise education amidst a grand event like the Maha Kumbh Mela will bring a significant change in the lives of these children."
The Maha Kumbh Mela is India's largest religious and cultural gathering, attracting millions of devotees, pilgrims, and tourists. This once-in-12-year event generates significant economic activity, with over 90,000 workers across departments contributing to its preparations. Many of these workers, who travel from various parts of India, are accompanied by their families, including children whose education is disrupted in the process.
Vidya Kumbh is a response to this challenge, aiming to provide learning opportunities to children in and around the event. The school will run for four months, providing children access to foundational learning, quality education materials, and life skills-building activities.
"Educate Girls, in collaboration with the Basic Education Department, has launched the 'Vidya Kumbh' initiative to ensure that the children of labourers attending the Maha Kumbh Mela don't miss out on their education. This transformative step towards ensuring no child's education is disrupted due to socio-economic circumstances underscores the importance of taking education to where children are, rather than waiting for them to come to us," added Vikram Solanki, Director of Operations, Educate Girls.
Notably, several girl children who were previously identified by Educate Girls as 'out-of-school' in other states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, have been found at these camps, highlighting the critical need for ongoing educational outreach and the role Vidya Kumbh plays in keeping these children connected to education despite their transient circumstances.
"Through this camp, we are striving to promote education and connect children to foundational learning for a better future. I am confident that this initiative will be a success at the Kumbh Mela. My gratitude goes to all the organisations contributing to this effort," added Praveen Kumar Tiwari, Basic Education Officer, Prayagraj.
Located in Sanitation Colony-2, Vidya Kumbh was inaugurated in December 2024. The event was also attended by Dr. Anand Singh, Additional Chief Medical Officer, Mr. Rajeev Tripathi, Deputy Commissioner, Basic Education Department, and representatives from Educate Girls. During the event, Educate Girls' supplementary, remedial learning curriculum kits called 'Gyan Ka Pitara', which focus on Foundational Learning and Numeracy for Grades 3-5, were also distributed.