In a country as Incredible as India, anything is possible. “Aajibaichi Shala” is one such example. It is a school for “Aajis” which is Marathi for grannies so yes it is the only school in the world specifically for grannies and the story of this school is quite inspiring.
The story of Aajibaichi Shala
What is this school?
Aajibaichi Shala is a school in Phangane village of the Thane district in Maharashtra. It is the first and only one of its kind, It is a school for elderly grandmothers of the village. Women between the age of 60 and 90 learn how to read and write in this school. The illiteracy rate in India is fairly higher than other developing nation and schools like this can take India a long way.
How did it start?
The school was started by Motilal Dalal Charitable trust and Yogendra Bangar, a teacher, and an activist. They believe that knowledge is very important today and there should be an opportunity for elderly women who never got a chance to go to school. Bangar’s mission is to make his village 100% literate.
Aajibaichi Shala was first started on March 8, 2016, on international women’s day, It was first started in a local farmer’s house but moved to a bigger space on the next Republic day. The school stays open only for 2 hours every day from 2 PM to 4 PM. The school has 27 students and they all come to school in a uniform of pink saree.
The curriculum is also quite nice. They have a prayer in the morning thanking the gods, they are taught Rhymes, Basic Maths, Painting etc, The Ajjis are also taught gardening in the gardening space.
Our Thoughts :
The idea of a school for elderly women who never had a chance to go to school is pretty incredible and we salute Motilal Dalal Charitable trust and Yogendra Bangar for this incredible feat and We also gathered some quotes from the people involved in this from various different sources.
We started this school to inculcate love and respect for the elderly.Never in my long life had I thought I would get a chance to go to a school. When I was young, my family was poor and girls didn’t have the chance to go to schools. I have had a new life for the last year.
90-year-old Sitabai Deshmukh, the oldest student in the school
Everybody in the village encouraged us; no one said a thing against the school. They said, ‘Nobody has done something like this before. Whatever you are doing is good for society. We are with you.
Article Credit: ICB
Is there any way, one can donate for this Cause?
Is it run by any NGO ? Do they have a web site?