The Struggles Beyond Enrolment

Education

The Struggles Beyond Enrolment

Schools Mirror

Gaya’s government schools mirror both the aspirations and challenges of Bihar’s rural education system. With over 90% enrolment at the primary level, the question today is no longer about getting children into classrooms — it’s about ensuring they actually learn.

According to the ASER 2024 Report, while enrolment across Bihar remains impressively high, only 20.1% of Class 3 students can read a Class 2-level text, and less than half can solve simple two-digit subtraction problems. (Business Standard, 2024) This data shows that enrolment alone cannot guarantee literacy or numeracy.

In Gaya’s government schools, large classrooms — often exceeding 60 students per teacher — make personalized attention nearly impossible. Many schools lack adequate learning materials, trained teachers, and remedial support. Infrastructure remains another major hurdle: limited classrooms, absence of libraries, and minimal access to digital tools hinder effective learning. Even basic facilities like functional toilets and clean water are missing in several rural schools, disproportionately affecting girls’ attendance and retention.

Teachers are deeply committed but often overburdened. Without continuous FLN (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy) training or modern pedagogy support, many are forced to rely on rote learning methods. Assessments, where conducted, tend to focus on record-keeping rather than guiding learning improvement.

Children face equally tough realities at home. Many come from families where parents have never attended school. After classes, children often help with household chores or work, leaving little time for study. Even brief absences can lead to learning loss, pushing them further behind.

This combination of structural, social, and pedagogical challenges creates a cycle of poor performance that keeps children trapped in learning poverty.

That’s where Project SPARSH by Glad Bharat Foundation is making a difference — empowering teachers, re-engaging students, and turning learning into a joyful, meaningful experience. By addressing foundational gaps early, SPARSH helps ensure that every child in Gaya not only attends school but truly learns and thrives.