The very first international literacy day was celebrated in 1967 with the aim to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies. However, after 53 years since its first celebration, the world is undergoing the most life-threatening pandemic. Everything around us has changed along with education. In accordance with this, UNESCO has decided to focus on “Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond,” this year, especially on the role of educators and changing pedagogies.
A policeman from India’s Bengaluru has turned out to be a perfect example of what UNESCO is focusing this year.
Shanthappa Jademmanavr, a sub-inspector in the Karnataka capital, devotes his free time teaching children of migrant workers who do not have access to computers and smartphones to attend online classes.
Bengaluru: Shanthappa Jademmanavr, Sub-Inspector, Annapurneshwari Nagar, teaches children of migrant workers who don’t have access to smartphones, laptops to attend online classes, before reporting for police duty#Karnataka pic.twitter.com/o2pwojCrEK
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2020
Around 25 boys and girls, with masks on their faces, sit in three lines as the tutor-cop takes his class every day in the morning before leaving for his duty.
As per reports, Shanthappa worked as a migrant laborer in Bengaluru back in 2005. Teaching them is his priority as the kids are unfortunate and deserve their rightful education rather than joining their parent’s work, he says.
“The children of migrant workers also have the right to education. It is not their fault that they can’t go to school or can’t access online education. I don’t want these children to join their parents and work. I want them to study. It is a priority for me,” Shanthappa told ANI about his decision to teach these kids.
The nationwide lockdown enforced over coronavirus has taken its toll not only on jobs and the economy but the future of millions of children is at stake too. The state non-profit groups working with children have further expressed concern over migrant children dropping out of school due to the lockdown and lack of access to the Internet.
“Since the first official national lockdown was announced, schools have been closed across the country. As migrant families return to their villages, struggling for their survival, it is very likely that their children’s access to education will suffer unless special efforts are made,” said Priti Mahara, Director Policy, Research and Advocacy, Child Rights and You (CRY) to a news agency.
Likewise, Kamal Gaur, Deputy Director – Education at Save the Children, said COVID-19 has not just been a health emergency but also an education disaster.
“Studies suggest that on an average 20 percent children dropout post emergencies and the last 90 days of lockdown has resulted in complete loss of education for these children who are moving with their migrant families,” she quoted.
We salute Mr. Shanthappa’s efforts in building the future for these children!