In a small slum in Delhi, a group of children gather every evening to learn from a man who wears a khaki uniform and a badge. He is not there to arrest them or scold them, but to teach them and inspire them. He is Than Singh, a police constable who runs a free school in his spare time to help the slum kids live a life free from crime and labour.
Than Singh started his school in 2016, when he was posted at the Sarai Rohilla police station. He noticed that many children in the nearby slum were either working as ragpickers or begging on the streets. He felt that they deserved a better future and decided to do something about it.
He approached the slum dwellers and convinced them to send their children to his school. He also arranged for some books, stationery, mats and a blackboard. He set up his classroom under a tree and began teaching the basics of Hindi, English, math and science. He also taught them moral values, hygiene, discipline and patriotism.
The school soon became popular among the children, who eagerly waited for Than Singh to finish his duty and come to teach them. They also started calling him 'Masterji', a term of respect for teachers in India. Than Singh says that he feels happy and fulfilled when he sees the children learning and smiling.
"I want to give them a chance to escape the cycle of poverty and crime. I want them to become good citizens and contribute to the society. Education is the only way to achieve that," he says.
Than Singh's school has grown from 15 students to over 50 in the past five years. He has also received support from some NGOs and volunteers who provide him with more books, uniforms, snacks and other resources. He has also organised some outings and events for the children, such as visits to museums, parks and monuments.
The children have also shown remarkable improvement in their academic performance and confidence. Some of them have even enrolled in regular schools with Than Singh's help. They say that they look up to him as a role model and a mentor.
"He is like a father to us. He teaches us not only subjects but also how to live with dignity and respect. He motivates us to dream big and work hard. He has changed our lives," says Rani, a 12-year-old student who wants to become a doctor.
Than Singh's school is an example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of many with compassion and dedication. He hopes that his initiative will inspire others to join him in his mission of spreading education and empowerment among the underprivileged children.
"I don't do this for any reward or recognition. I do this because I love these children and I want them to have a bright future. They are our nation's future and we have to nurture them," he says.
How You Can Support Than Singh's School and Other Similar Initiatives. If you are inspired by Than Singh's story and want to support his school or other similar initiatives, here are some ways you can do so:
- Donate: You can donate money, books, stationery, clothes, toys or any other useful items to Than Singh's school or any other NGO that works for the education of slum children. You can also sponsor a child's education or provide scholarships for higher studies.
- Volunteer: You can volunteer your time and skills to teach, mentor, counsel or organise activities for the slum children. You can also help with fundraising, publicity or administration of the school or the NGO.
- Spread the word: You can spread the word about Than Singh's school or other similar initiatives by sharing their stories on social media, blogs, podcasts or other platforms. You can also invite your friends, family or colleagues to join you in supporting them.
- Appreciate: You can appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of Than Singh and other people who are working for the education of slum children. You can send them messages of gratitude, encouragement or recognition. You can also nominate them for awards or honours.
By supporting Than Singh's school or other similar initiatives, you can make a positive impact on the lives of many slum children who deserve a chance to learn and grow. You can also contribute to the social and economic development of the country by creating a more educated and empowered generation.
Conclusion
Than Singh's school is a shining example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of many with compassion and dedication. He has shown that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and crime and creating a better future for the slum children. He has also inspired many others to join him in his mission of spreading education and empowerment among the underprivileged children.
You can also be a part of this noble cause by supporting Than Singh's school or other similar initiatives in any way you can. You can donate, volunteer, spread the word or appreciate their work. By doing so, you can help transform the lives of many slum children and give them a chance to live their dreams. You can also make a difference in the world by creating a more educated and empowered generation.
Some of the success stories of Than Singh's students are:
Ajay Ahirwal, who used to work as a labourer with his father at tourist spots, now studies in class 5 and aspires to become a police officer like Than Singh.
Rani, who used to beg on the streets, now studies in class 6 and wants to become a doctor.
Rajesh, who used to pick rags, now studies in class 4 and wants to join the army.
Pooja, who used to sell plastic bottles, now studies in class 3 and wants to become a teacher.
These are just some of the examples of how Than Singh's school has changed the lives of many slum children and given them a chance to pursue their dreams.
You can donate to Than Singh's school by:
- Donating money, books, stationery, clothes, toys or any other useful items to the school or any other NGO that works for the education of slum children.
- Sponsoring a child's education or providing scholarships for higher studies.
- Participating in crowd funding campaigns for the school.
You can also contact Than Singh directly through his Twitter account @Thansin60824510 to find out more about how to donate to his school.
Source
(1) Constable’s Free School is Helping Kids in Delhi’s Slums Escape a Life .... https://www.thebetterindia.com/318386/delhi-police-constable-than-singh-runs-free-school-for-slum-children/.
(2) Than Singh Ki Paathshala! Run by Delhi Police Constable To Help Slum .... https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/than-singh-ki-paathshala-run-by-delhi-police-constable-to-help-slum-children-escape-life-of-crime-labour.
How can we improve the education of slum children?
You can volunteer your time to teach children in a classroom setting, or help with administrative tasks at a local school. You can also donate money or supplies to a school or organization working to improve education in slum areas.
What are the problems with education in slums?
These schools frequently have too many students and not enough supplies or infrastructure. Children struggle to study and achieve as a result. Additionally, a lot of the teachers in the slums lack the necessary training and credentials. As a consequence, they are unable to give their kids a quality education.
Why education is important in slum?
Education is an opportunity through which society and its people are empowered. It is a tool for economic advancements. Education aids in the social, emotional, and psychological growth of individuals and hence, the community as a whole.
What are the problems with slum children?
Slums are areas of broad social and health disadvantage to children and their families due to extreme poverty, overcrowding, poor water and sanitation, substandard housing, limited access to basic health and education services, and other hardships (eg, high unemployment, violence).
