Delhi to roll out 25 more mobile schools

Updated on: Monday, August 24, 2009

New Delhi: Encouraged by the huge response to its two 'Chalta Firta' (mobile) schools started last year, the Delhi Government is now launching 25 such schools to reach out to the disadvantaged children in the national capital.

'Last year, we had kicked off the mobile schools for out-of-school children, street and working children and for the children of sex workers. Now, we plan to start 25 more mobile vans to cover maximum of beneficiaries,' Rakesh Mohan, Principal Secretary (Education) of Delhi Government said.

The scheme is part of the government's flagship programme -Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) aimed at universalisation of elementary education for all children up to 14 years.

Last year, two mobile vans fitted with a television screen and equipped with computers, multimedia facilities, a book library, blackboard and toys were rolled out. 'We have covered more than 500 children in the Kali Bari marg area, Kusum Paharia in Vasant Kunj and Viklang Basti near JLN Stadium, in fact many of them have joined formal education as well,' Mohan said.

VP Singh, the State Project Director (SSA) adds, 'Now we plan to focus on children at construction sites. The purpose is to cover those kids who don't have a permanent place to live. The schools will move along with them.'

To retain the interest in children, they are educated through colourful books, computers, exhibits, films and workshops; all inside the disabled-friendly buses being run with the help of NGOs.

'We have already received funds (Rs 30 lakhs for each bus) and we plan to start the project once we appoint the NGOs. Of course, these 25 new mobile vans will have upgraded facilities to attract children,' Singh said.

The education department will monitor their movement to ensure that the buses go to the specified locations everyday.

Delhi to roll out 25 more mobile schools

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