Granny school:- A new Journey

Maharashtra Teacher Runs a School Only For Grandmas, Uniformed in Pink Saree.

                             

                


As grandmothers in a Thane village were denied an education because of their gender, the ‘Ajjbaichi Shaala’ (grandmother’s school) was launched on International Women’s Day four years ago

The school is the brainchild of Yogendra Bangar, Zilla Parishad teacher, who was posted in the village in 2013. He was supported by The Motiram Dalal Charitable Trust (TMDCT) and together they are running the school that is free for the unlettered grannies.

Sheetal More, a class nine graduate is the appointed teacher who was taking classes from Monday to Friday between 2-4 pm in the afternoon before the lock-down was imposed.                                                                                        





The general atmosphere of the classroom oscillates between laughter, nervousness and confusion. Every time someone makes a mistake, others are very encouraging and offer help. The occasional giggles are reserved for when they are asked to write a sentence or narrate a story of their choice.

“These women are embodiment of sisterhood and it is so heartwarming to see them leaving behind their problems at home. Yes, the chatters can get longer than usual but this classroom gives them a chance to share a peal of laughter,” adds Sheetal.

Amidst the usual banter, homework and classes, these women have aced basic skills. Signatures have replaced thumbprints at ration distribution shops and money transactions have become easier.

For many grandmothers like Shantabai, education has allowed them to bridge the generational gap with their grandchildren. Shantabai spends at least 30 minutes daily with Mandar studying.

“Reading newspapers and spending time with my grandson has given me a new purpose at this age. Without this school, I wouldn’t have made new friends and learnt so much. It’s never too late to start fresh,” adds Shantabai and excuses herself to learn multiplication from Mandar.

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