Even as one of the fastest growing countries in the world, the educational crisis is one of the most pressing issues for India.
Thirty percent of the population is illiterate. Classrooms are understaffed and more than 1 in 3 children who begin primary school drop out before reaching 5th grade. Lack of education is the root of several major issues in India, and the right to education has the potential to solve these challenges.
With this in mind, a group of young leaders working to reform education in India came together in 2008 to seek an innovative solution to end educational inequity in the country. They named this solution Teach For India(TFI).
Teach For India is a nationwide movement where outstanding college graduates and young professionals commit two years to teaching full-time in under-resourced, low-income schools. At a later stage they become life-long leaders working towards the Millennium Development goal of ‘Education For All.’
The aim is that one day, every child in India will have access to quality education.
To get the inside story, we spoke to TFI Fellows Anshuman Shukla and Anish Savani.
What prompted you to join TFI?
Anshuman: While working for Oxfam GB during my post graduation period at the University of Leeds, I was made aware of poverty and its ramifications around the globe. I wanted to work for an organisation with enormous potential to make change at the grassroots level. After initial research, I was left awe-struck at the reach and future plans of Teach for India and its aim to eliminate educational inequity.
Anish: After graduating from university, I decided to join TFI to put my education and background in international development to use. TFI was an exciting opportunity to challenge myself by living in India, learning about the problems at the grassroots level and helping to change the face of education.
Can you share a high point during your TFI fellowship experience?
Anshuman: My first few months in the classroom were more challenging than I had anticipated. Like all the other fellows, I was juggling between a classroom, training, life in a difficult city and kids with varying levels of learning disabilities. Seeing Zahid, 6, who struggled with dyslexia, achieve an excellent grade at the end of the year due to his passion for learning was truly a high point of my fellowship. I feel that I am making a difference in the lives of each of my 50 kids through the wonderful gift of education, and also growing as an individual and a professional.
Anish: There have been countless high points in the rollercoaster ride that my TFI fellowship has been. I think some of the best times were when I took my students on field trips to places around Mumbai such as the Nehru Planetarium, a bank, five star hotels and a movie theatre to expose them to the world around them and the value of education outside of school. During these outings it was incredible to see students’ curiosity and eagerness to demonstrate their English skills through intelligent question and answer sessions. Another special moment was seeing how far my students had come academically.
Would you recommend TFI fellowships to others?
Anshuman: Most definitely! I would recommend TFI to everyone who wants to make a difference, not only to the lives of underprivileged students, but also for themselves.
Anish: I would definitely recommend the TFI fellowship to anyone who is ready for a challenge. It is an amazing opportunity to work with incredible leaders from many backgrounds who are all committed to bridging the education gap in India. In addition to learning about the problems in India, the fellowship has allowed me to reflect and make a positive change in myself. The fellowship is not just about teaching, it’s a great way to build leadership and other skills which are transferable to other careers.
For information about Teach for India and how to become a fellow, click here.
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