Kanha women make school fun for tribal kids
Young women from forest-dwelling communities living in the buffer area of Kanha National Park are empowering themselves by educating children using unique activity-based methods designed based on the socio-ecological context of the landscape.
Women in rural India find it extremely difficult to access basic education due to factors such as gender inequality, unsafe travel conditions and the lack of sanitation facilities. Among elements such as economic class, location, and ethnic identity, gender inequality plays a major role in defining the kind of experiences a girl child will have in schools and the benefits they will reap by being educated.
The Baiga and Gond communities of Kanha face some critical issues when it comes to receiving good quality education such as the need for more infrastructure, specialised courses, career guidance and low family income levels. Girls only receive secondary school education if a school is located near their village. Villages in Kanha are situated in close proximity to the forest and children usually have to walk through several kilometres of forest area to reach school. These issues prevent children, especially girls, from receiving secondary school education. Earth Focus Foundation has established “Anand Ghars” in 15 villages in Kanha’s buffer zone. These are classroom spaces that are used to provide contextual and play-based education to children belonging to the Baiga and Gond communities living in the area. The organization’s education team has meticulously designed a biodiversity curriculum and crafted materials that are used to conduct various activities with the children.
*All these photos are completely candid and have been shot in ambient/natural light.
Location: Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Shot for: Village Square India and Earth Focus Kanha