Ministry of Education Assesses Impact of Seasonal Centers for Nomadic Children in Kashmir
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On June 25th, 2024, a delegation from the Ministry of Education, led by the Economic Adviser of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), was accompanied by officials from Jammu and Kashmir Samagra Shiksha (JKSamagra), including the State Project Director and Chief Education Officer of Baramulla, to visit Seasonal Centres established for children of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community in Kashmir’s highlands. These institutes are particularly designed for youngsters who travel with their families throughout the summer in quest of better grazing pastures for their cattle.
The purpose of the tour was to review the implementation and efficacy of the Seasonal Centres established as part of the Samagra Shiksha project. These facilities are open for six months, giving critical educational opportunities to children from nomadic communities living in remote parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Centre-State team visited three centres in the Baramulla district: Bota Pathri, Nagin 1, and Nagin 3. They worked closely with students, volunteers, and community members to assess many elements, such as the availability of educational resources, learning results, and overall influence on the children’s education.
“The Seasonal Centres play a pivotal role in ensuring that children from nomadic communities receive uninterrupted education despite their migratory lifestyle,” commented the Economic Adviser from DoSEL. “Our visit aimed to gauge the effectiveness of these centers in providing quality education and addressing the unique challenges faced by these children.”
These facilities are carefully positioned to suit the Gujjar-Bakarwal community’s seasonal travels, providing an ideal learning atmosphere amidst the natural sceneries of Kashmir’s highlands. They are outfitted with the appropriate equipment and staffed by committed volunteers who play an important role in conducting instructional activities.
“We are committed to enhancing educational access for every child, irrespective of their background or geographical challenges,” remarked the State Project Director of JKSamagra. “The Seasonal Centres not only provide academic support but also contribute to the socio-economic development of these communities by empowering their youth through education.”
The interaction between the visiting team and the local community demonstrated the good influence of the Seasonal Centres, which instilled hope and empowerment in the children and their families. The tour concluded with a vow to strengthen these programmes and ensure long-term educational opportunities for nomadic children in Jammu & Kashmir.
As the Ministry of Education continues to prioritize inclusive and equitable education, programmes such as the Seasonal Centres demonstrate its commitment to reaching out to marginalized populations and closing educational disparities throughout the area.