The government shut down schools physically and kept them running through online mode.
But Nandurbar district of Maharashtra is a tribal and a very remote village.
The villagers here are very poor and depend on agriculture and forests, to earn daily bread.
there's no way they can accept the online education policy.
They don't have internet signal in the village.
After walking certain distance they get 2G connection just to connect a call.
"What is the concept behind Nirmaan schools?"
"Due to pandemic all the schools were shut down across the nation.
So to overcome the situation we started Nirman Schools in remote areas.
Approx. 315 students are studying here, now.
We could achieve this milestone with the help of the villagers
and the NGO Narmada Bachao Andolan we started Nirman schools.
Our only motto behind this was to provide good, feasible and proper education to children.
Currently we have a count of 315 students studying here. "
Who are the other people joined you in this social activity?
"There is a staff of total 18 teachers which includes 3 female teachers. "
Are all the teachers highly educated?
Some of them are well educated and some are still pursuing their education.
There are some graduate, post-graduate teachers in teaching faculty.
All of them are from your village?
We all come from the same village.
Can you tell me more about your school schedule?
"We teachers meet at 7.30AM for prayer.
At 8.00AM we conduct prayer again for students.
Teachers gather all the students to conduct prayer assembly
Which includes national anthem, pledge and student performances too.
And then we start with regular teaching."
Where were you schooling?
"Navapur"
What is the name of your school?
"Shri Shivaji High School Navapur."
You were enrolled there?
"Yes."
So you are at home after the schools were shut down?
"Yes."
Who is your teacher here?
"Teacher Mansingh is our new teacher, here."
What would you have done if Nirman school hadn't been established here?
"we would have been at home."
Is it?
"Yes."
Would you have been able to study?
"No."
Do you own a mobile?
"Yes."
Who has it?
"My father has it."
Govt. has started online education policy, what would you have done then?
(Shaking head) No.
Govt. claims to have started education using online medium due to the pandemic
So, do you have a mobile? "Nope."
So now what?
Will you be able to study? or just stay at home?
"We won't be able to study."
Are you happy that Nirman Schools have started in your areas?
"Indeed."
What if we have not established Nirman Schools?
"we would have stayed home."
And?
What you would have done at home?
"Do all the chores, graze cattle and go work in the fields would have been our life. "
Do you have a smartphone?
"no."
Your father owns one?
"Yes. That is not a smartphone."
So, he owns a feature phone which doesn't support internet connection. Is it?
"yes."
Who's your father?
"He's a daily wage laborer working in fields."
And your mother?
"Even her. Both of them work in fields."
Are you happy that Nirman Schools are started?
"yes."
Who would you like to thank?
All your teachers and guide who are helping you through this tough time?
"Yes."
Govt. has imposed a nation wide lockdown. But your villagers are trying to help you.
"Yes."
Would you like to thank them?
"Yes, definitely."
On August 3, Nirman School was started in the village.
Currently more than 500 students are studying here.
since 15 August, new schools were started. In Jeevan nagar, Nirman School has 315 students
Gopalpur school has a strength of 270 students and 24 teachers.
And in Revalnagar school 70 students are studying.
So, all three Nirman Schools are now providing education to 600-700 students.
In this pandemic, Nirman school is the only ray of hope for these people.
These schools will continue to run until the Govt. schools start.
Different activities are also being conducted for teachers like elocution competition.
Jeevan nagar school and Gopalpur school organised a big cultural event by the students and teachers, in the presence of dignitaries.