A New Path for Mahadalit Children from Brick Kilns”
Objective:
To promote education awareness among children and parents working at brick kilns,
improve academic levels through Community Cultural Centers, and instill the habit of regular school attendance.
Description:
The programme operates Community Cultural Centers at selected brick kiln sites in Jamui and Khaira. Children from migrating Mahadalit Mushahar families receive tailored academic support, bridging education gaps caused by labor migration and exploitation.
Key Challenges:
- Children suffer from lack of identity documents such as Aadhaar and ration cards, barring school enrolment despite being eligible.
- Brick kiln labor exposes them to extreme weather conditions — harsh cold of approximately 3°C in winter and sweltering heat near 43°C in summer.
- The physical toll and constant mobility hinder consistent schooling; children remain vulnerable to labor exploitation and abuse, especially adolescent girls.
- These children often lack proper nutrition and health
Key Activities:
- Operating centers to provide ongoing education during the working season.
- Monitoring attendance and offering continuous support.
- Advocating community recognition of the need for children’s education.
- Honouring socially disadvantaged parents who endorse educational
Key Achievements:
- Five centers established over the last two years, supporting 180
- Children returning home from kilns are enrolled in local schools with consistent
- Families discouraged from re-engaging children in labor; commitment to education strengthened.
- Continuous follow-up is maintained with parents to ensure the provision of quality education, facilitating the enrollment of children in schools and fostering an environment that encourages their regular attendance with dignity and respect, similar to other children.