HYDERABAD: For the last 11 years, Shyamala has been quietly churning an educational revolution of sorts from a tiny little room in Alwal. As the only staff member at the one-room Anganwadi centre here, she dons the role of a cook, helper and teacher. For 30-odd children living in an adjacent basti, she’s the stepping stone to a better future.
It’s not the backbreaking work, but attitude of people in the neighbourhood that hurts her the most. Residents of Bhudevi Nagar, where the Anganwadi is located, have been demanding revenue officials to shift the facility. They have also been refusing to give an alternative space for the Anganwadi to function. The reason: they aren’t happy with children from underprivileged backgrounds entering their neighbourhood.
Speaking with Express, Shyamala narrates how she wages the lone battle in making education accessible to all. “I teach all these children, take care of them and cook for them. The slum dwellers, whose children I teach, are very much interested in getting their children educated. Some parents even volunteer to help out with chores at the school.”
But, the same spirit is not echoed by the residents in the school’s neighbourhood. “I would very much like to move into a bigger facility. But, colony residents are refusing to rent out their spaces for the Anganwadi. They are uncomfortable with slum children running around in their streets,” claims Shyamala.
Around 15 children, according to her, have moved on from her Anganwadi and joined government schools in higher classes. However, not all parents are thrilled about the Anganwadi, though they appreciate Shyamala’s efforts. “She does a great job running the centre. But, we are scared to send our children there because it’s just one person looking after so many children. Also, the centre is right beside a busy main road. What if any child runs out, can just one teacher manage them all?” asks a parent, N Padma.
This is not just the story of one Anganwadi centres. Originally started with the aim of combatting malnutrition and serving the needs of early childhood education, Anganwadi centres are now mostly neglected due to lack of manpower. In Medchal district alone, 72 out of 792 Anganwadi centres are run by just a single person, according to official sources. Child development officer for Alwal, P Bhavani says there are six helper posts lying vacant at 32 centres in the mandal. After Express contacted Medchal collector M V Reddy, officials have agreed to issue notification for the helpers’ jobs in the coming week.