Hyderabad Helping Hands Foundation opens free school to address high dropout rates
Hyderabad: The Helping Hands Foundation (HHF) has inaugurated a free primary and bridge school for Nursery to Class 5 in Errakunta, Hyderabad. This initiative targets children from underprivileged backgrounds, specifically daily wage earners, single mothers, abandoned mothers, and migrant laborers. The school prioritizes first-generation learners from migrant families residing in Errakunta, a vulnerable slum.
Speaking to the Hyderabad Mail, Mujtaba Hasan Askari, the founder trustee of Helping Hands Foundation, said, “With 400 students already enrolled, admissions are closed for the current academic year. However, the founder emphasizes welcoming other poor children in the future.”
This initiative follows a comprehensive survey conducted by HHF across 15 major Hyderabad slums. The survey revealed alarming dropout rates, with 27% of students dropping out during the last academic year, with nearly half occurring at the primary level. Additionally, a concerning 4% of school-aged children were entirely outside the education system.
The survey pinpointed financial hardship as the leading cause of dropout, with 75% of parents citing the high cost of private schools prevalent in urban slums. Uneven distribution of government schools further exacerbated the problem. While 756 government schools were identified, some areas lacked sufficient options, while others had a concentration of schools.
Despite proximity, only 30% of counselled parents opted for government school enrollment. Transportation issues and a lack of facilities like teaching staff, sanitation were cited as deterrents.
To address these challenges, HHF implemented a free school shuttle service and boasts 14 classrooms, including dedicated bridge school facilities. The school employs 12 qualified teachers, a headmistress, counselors, support staff, and a dedicated bus service team. This comprehensive approach aims to deliver high-quality education without financial burdening families. The initiative is estimated to save parents over Rs 1 Crore annually on their children’s education.
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
Introducing HHF School: our new free primary school for 450 vulnerable children in the slums. Every child has potential! Join us in transforming lives. Learn more and support our mission: https://t.co/AEKnLc90jS#EducationForAll #TransformingCommunities pic.twitter.com/RFUyt3LEj6
— Helping Hand Foundation (@HelpingHandHyd) July 5, 2024
“Free education, coupled with existing free health centers, will significantly impact the socio-economic well-being of these communities,” said Mujtaba Hasan Askari. “Education and health are crucial for overcoming poverty.”
The school was formally inaugurated by Syed Mazharuddin Hussaini, Executive Director of SEED-USA, the main partner of HHF in India.
