Background of the Initiative:
- Founder: Sumit Kumar, a 31-year-old teacher, started “Appan Pathshala” in 2017 at Mukti Dham, a cremation ground in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
- Target Group: Over 100 children from nearby slums (ages 5-16), primarily from Kundal and Ambedkar Nagar.
Relevance : GS 4(Ethics -Leadership)
Origins and Motivation:
- Initial Visit: Kumar, struck by the sight of children scavenging near bodies, decided to start the school after hearing their response: “What would happen if we study?”
- Challenges: Initially faced resistance from parents but persisted in gaining their trust.
Teaching Approach:
- School Hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
- Curriculum: NCERT syllabus for Classes 1-10, with senior students helping juniors.
- Extra-curriculars: Wushu martial arts twice a week for girls, promoting physical empowerment.
- Seating: Students sit on mats or sacks due to lack of infrastructure.
Impact on Students:
- Student Stories:
- Radhika Kumari (Class 7): Values education over location.
- Mohammad Mubarak: Went from illiterate to able to read and write.
- Social Mobility: 20-25 students enroll in government schools annually.
Support and Recognition:
- Local Support: Recognized by Muzaffarpur Municipal Corporation, with assistance from friends and local authorities.
- Financial Support: Kumar’s brother contributes financially.
Personal Sacrifice:
- Kumar has chosen not to marry, dedicating his life to this cause despite holding a master’s degree and LLB.
Broader Impact:
- Breaking Poverty Cycle: Provides a path for marginalized children to escape poverty.
- Empowerment: Education and martial arts training foster self-confidence and skill development.
- Social Change: Transforms the lives of children and shifts community perceptions.
Sumit Kumar’s Vision:
- Goal: Enroll children in government schools for formal education and recognized certifications.
- Social Change: The initiative aims to uplift children who would otherwise remain deprived of opportunities.
