Teaching Amina to read

Overview

The Government of India has made strides in increasing its education spending and improving access to schools, but there is much left to do. Programmes have concentrated on the expansion of higher education in India. In fact, public spending per student on the tertiary level is over six times what it is on the primary level. Non-enrolment can affect every aspect of a child’s life. Education can give young girls the skills to make decisions independent of their husbands or families, access healthcare and other social programmes, and enter the workforce. This article offers reflections on some of the stubborn challenges around girls’ education in India, based on a personal experience of volunteering in Jaipur.