In the sprawling slums on the edges of India’s bustling cities, millions of children are caught in an inescapable cycle of poverty. For many first-generation learners, the dream of education is far from reality. Amidst these challenging conditions, Leela Foundation “Education on Wheels” (EOW) program stands as a source of hope, showcasing the transformative power of education for marginalized communities.

Breaking Barriers: The Alarming State of Illiteracy in India

The EOW program responds to India’s dire illiteracy state. According to a 2014 report by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), 32 million Indian children up to age 13 had never attended school, primarily from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. UNESCO’s 2019 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report highlighted that 80% of migrant children in seven Indian cities lacked access to education near their worksites, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

The Stark Reality of Slum Living

According to UNICEF, over 100 million children worldwide live in slums, with India housing a significant portion of this population. These children face immense barriers to education, including economic instability and the necessity to work to support their families. UNESCO reports that children in slums are more likely to be out of school than their peers in stable environments.

First-Generation Learners: Facing the Odds

First-generation learners, the first in their families to attend school, face unique challenges. Without a culture of learning at home or necessary support structures, they often struggle with basic literacy and numeracy skills. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) reveals that over half of the children in India’s slums cannot read at a basic level.