Education is for all no matter what age. At a school in Fangane village of Thane, age is absolutely no bar. Aajibaichi, meaning Granny school, is open for women aged 60 to 90 years old.
Women after being free from all house duties, come to school in the afternoon. They are assisted by their grandchildren in their studies when they want to revise at home.
Most of these women are widows and happy to be able to fulfil their lifelong dream of reading and writing.
Women cheerfully recite alphabets in class which is held everyday from 2 to 4 pm. These women are given free bag, saree, slate and slippers to bring about uniformity among all students.
“My sister and I could never go to school as a child while my brothers attended school regularly. At this age, we are dependent on our grandchildren to read out holy scriptures for us. We are happy to be coming here and learning with our friends. We have a lot of fun,” Kantabai Laxman More said.
The school is the brainchild of Yogendra Bangar, a primary school teacher in Fangane and is funded by a local charitable trust called Motiram Ganpat Dalal Charitable Trust.
He struck upon the idea last year when some of the women complained that they couldn't take part in public readings during religious functions.
“We wanted to end their disdain and help them. We thought that if we could give these grandmothers a fair chance at education and literacy then it would make them very happy,” explains Bangar, 41.
“At their age, they aren't going to go looking for a job at a corporation but their joy at being able to provide a signature and read have increased their happiness manifold,” he adds.
Women after being free from all house duties, come to school in the afternoon. They are assisted by their grandchildren in their studies when they want to revise at home.
Most of these women are widows and happy to be able to fulfil their lifelong dream of reading and writing.
Women cheerfully recite alphabets in class which is held everyday from 2 to 4 pm. These women are given free bag, saree, slate and slippers to bring about uniformity among all students.
“My sister and I could never go to school as a child while my brothers attended school regularly. At this age, we are dependent on our grandchildren to read out holy scriptures for us. We are happy to be coming here and learning with our friends. We have a lot of fun,” Kantabai Laxman More said.
The school is the brainchild of Yogendra Bangar, a primary school teacher in Fangane and is funded by a local charitable trust called Motiram Ganpat Dalal Charitable Trust.
He struck upon the idea last year when some of the women complained that they couldn't take part in public readings during religious functions.
“We wanted to end their disdain and help them. We thought that if we could give these grandmothers a fair chance at education and literacy then it would make them very happy,” explains Bangar, 41.
“At their age, they aren't going to go looking for a job at a corporation but their joy at being able to provide a signature and read have increased their happiness manifold,” he adds.
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