Public Schools: India
Use this information to help learn and compare schools and the effect of poverty in a different country.
Think about how it can be the same and different to your school and what you think may be easy or hard about going to a school in a different country.
Let's Learn
India is a large and beautiful country with millions of school-aged children. But not every child gets the same chance to go to school.
Many families in India live in poverty, which means they don’t have enough money for basic needs like food, clothes, or school supplies.
Let’s look at some of the main challenges poverty creates for children’s education in India.
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Not enough money for school supplies
Many children in India can’t afford books, pens, uniforms, or bags.
Some have to share their school materials with siblings or use old, worn-out notebooks.
Even though most government schools are free, families still need to pay for uniforms, exams, or transport, which can be difficult for those with very little money.
Long journeys to school
In rural India, many children live far away from schools.
Some walk several kilometres each day, often on dusty roads or through fields.
This can make them tired, late, or absent, especially during rainy or very hot weather.
In cities, traffic and overcrowded buses can also make the journey hard.
Hunger and tiredness
Hunger is one of the biggest problems that affects learning.
When children don’t have enough to eat, it’s hard to focus, listen, or remember lessons.
To help with this, the Indian government started the Midday Meal Scheme, which gives free lunches to children in public schools.
A healthy meal helps students stay in school and learn better.
Poor school buildings
In some poor areas, schools don’t have enough classrooms, desks, or toilets.
A few schools even hold lessons under trees or in open spaces when buildings are too small.
Without safe and clean facilities, some students — especially girls — might stop attending altogether.
Many organisations and local communities are now working to build better classrooms so every child can learn safely.
Let's Have a Look
Not enough teachers
In villages, some schools have only one or two teachers for all the children.
This means large classes and less time for each student to get help.
Sometimes, teachers have to travel long distances or teach more than one grade at once.
Even with these challenges, many teachers in India work very hard to help their students succeed.
Children who need to work
Some children in poor families must work to earn money or help at home instead of going to school.
They might help in farms, sell food, or look after younger siblings.
This means they miss lessons and fall behind, making it harder to catch up later.
Lack of technology
Not all schools in India have computers or internet.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, many children couldn’t attend online lessons because they didn’t have devices, Wi-Fi, or electricity.
This made learning much harder for children from poor families, especially compared to those in cities with better access.
Why education matters
Even though poverty makes learning difficult, children across India still dream big.
They know that going to school can help them build a better life, find good jobs, and help their families in the future.
Teachers, charities, and the government are working to make sure every child has the chance to learn and succeed.
Think and compare
Now think about your own school life:
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What makes it easier for you to learn?
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Which challenges do children in India face that you don’t?
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What can schools and communities do to help more children get an education?