Education

The Indian Government provides free education at state-run schools. However, families have to cover the cost of their children's school books, uniforms, pens, etc. These items are costly and take up a large part of a poor family's income particularly if they have several children.

After-school tuition classes
It is widely accepted that the quality of education in state-run schools, especially at the primary level, is poor. Children typically learn by wrote and text books (where they exist) are very old-fashioned. By contrast children in private fee-paying schools receive a high standard of teaching. Poor people who have not had a good education find it very hard to get jobs. In response, BGM provides free after-school tuition classes between 4pm-6pm Monday to Saturday. Where there is an available room classes take place indoors. Otherwise, they take place outside under the shade of trees. BGM covers the cost of a teacher at fourteen different village locations. Reports from parents indicate that children that attend are performing better at school.

Computer training
Knowing how to use a computer is very important for many jobs. The children from these poor villages have very limited access to computers in state schools. BGM has responded by purchasing a computer that is moved to different locations for fixed periods. BGM pays for a teacher to introduce children to the basics of what a computer is and how to use it. Classes are run Monday to Saturday, 2pm-4pm and 4pm-6pm.

Free school materials
The new school year begins in June. Prior to this BGM distributes school uniforms, books and pencils to children of the poorest families. Without BGM's help some of these poorest families could not afford to send their children to school.