In India, the COVID-19 lockdown has exacerbated the issue of increased drop-out rates, particularly in low-income schools attended by children of migrants and daily wage workers. A striking example is the situation faced by M.H. English school in Malwani, Mumbai. With a student population of 350 spanning classes 1 to 10, the school operates with a staff of 12 teachers and additional contract-based personnel. This challenging scenario highlights the pressing need to address educational disparities and provide support to ensure these students can overcome obstacles and thrive.

In India, the COVID-19 lockdown has exacerbated the issue of increased drop-out rates, particularly in low-income schools attended by children of migrants and daily wage workers. A striking example is the situation faced by M.H. English school in Malwani, Mumbai. With a student population of 350 spanning classes 1 to 10, the school operates with a staff of 12 teachers and additional contract-based personnel. This challenging scenario highlights the pressing need to address educational disparities and provide support to ensure these students can overcome obstacles and thrive.

In India, there are numerous low-resource schools where students are being deprived of the critical skills necessary to succeed in today’s job market. Basic digital competencies such as proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, e-learning resources, and even basic programming know-how are sorely lacking. This scarcity can be attributed to a lack of financial resources, shortage of qualified teachers, and the fact that many schools are situated in remote, resource-scarce villages. The consequences of this are dire, as it limits the potential of students to achieve their goals and create a brighter future.

Addressing the issue of access to school education goes beyond implementing short-term solutions; it requires building a sustainable ecosystem that provides structural support for girls. This entails bringing together all stakeholders, including teachers, school leadership, and parents, who hold the power to make impactful decisions

The issue of student dropout, particularly in government schools, has been exacerbated in the post-COVID lockdown period. This problem is particularly prevalent among children of migrants, daily wage workers, and tribals. Located in Maharashtra, the Shri Siddheshwar Vetale school in Kadhadhe, Kanhewadi Budrukh plays a vital role in the community. With 166 students spanning from classes 1 to 10, the school operates with a team of 11 teachers and additional contract-based staff. It serves as the sole educational institution in a village inhabited by 1530 residents.

The functioning of this Self Help Group is driven by the community’s own funding and administration. The women within the community make crucial decisions regarding micro-loans, repayment terms, and compliance management. Chhoti Si Asha provides guidance and supervision to the SHG, ensuring smooth implementation and overall program management. The onset of the 2019 lockdown had a profound impact on the regular operations of Chhoti Si Asha. The sales of CSA’s handicraft products experienced a significant decline, leading to reduced orders. Consequently, many women faced extended periods of unemployment due to limited opportunities for participation in handicraft production.

In India, there are numerous low-resource schools where students are being deprived of the critical skills necessary to succeed in today’s job market. Basic digital competencies such as proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, e-learning resources, and even basic programming know-how are sorely lacking. This scarcity can be attributed to a lack of financial resources, shortage of qualified teachers, and the fact that many schools are situated in remote, resource-scarce villages. The consequences of this are dire, as it limits the potential of students to achieve their goals and create a brighter future.

The functioning of this Self Help Group is driven by the community’s own funding and administration. The women within the community make crucial decisions regarding micro-loans, repayment terms, and compliance management. Chhoti Si Asha provides guidance and supervision to the SHG, ensuring smooth implementation and overall program management. The onset of the 2019 lockdown had a profound impact on the regular operations of Chhoti Si Asha. The sales of CSA’s handicraft products experienced a significant decline, leading to reduced orders. Consequently, many women faced extended periods of unemployment due to limited opportunities for participation in handicraft production.

Around 90% of India’s workforce (around 400 million) is employed in the informal sector, according to the International Labour Organization. These people work in the roles of street food vendors, security guards, garbage collectors, domestic help, etc. Daily wages lie between 300 to 400 rupees (around 3.8 – 5.0 CHF) and this is only sufficient for a day’s need, and thus every workday counts. During India’s COVID-19 lockdown, most of the informal workforce lost their daily work and income. Assessing the situation in India, oxygen supply was in high demand and extremely expensive.