This Teacher Is Providing Free Education For Poor Children Under A Bridge In India
January 20, 2017
A grocery store owner has been providing free education for slum children under a bridge in India for the past seven years.
Credit: Ahmer Khan
Rajesh Sharma, 45, noticed the hardship faced by children living in the slum area of New Delhi and was was driven to do something after he himself was forced to drop out of college for financial reasons.
Sharma runs lessons from 9am until 2pm every day for nearly 200 underprivileged children. Subjects covered include English, Hindi, science, mathematics, history, and geography.
There's no seats and no tables. There is only one wall, which is concrete and part of the bridge itself.
Credit: Ahmer Khan
"I was strolling by and saw children of labourers playing in the dust and mud when this metro bridge was under construction," Sharma told BuzzFeed News. "I spoke with the parents and asked, 'Why don’t you send them to school?' They said, 'We want them to be educated but we can’t afford their education and the school is too far.'"
Credit: Ahmer Khan
With no government funding, the "school" is reliant entirely on public support and donations. People donate books, uniforms, shoes, and food on a regular basis.
Credit: Ahmer Khan
On Saturdays the students play cricket, football, badminton, and other games with donated sports equipment.
"I love this school," says 15-year-old student Pappu. "I come here for studies and to draw."
He walks 2km every day to reach the school.
Credit: Ahmer Khan
For Sharma, his day does not end after his lessons. The grocery store owner often goes straight to his shop where he works until 10pm.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
A Husky Was Lost. Owners Found Him With A Drone - Hanging Out With Bears
NBA Player Invites Old High School Coach To Live With Him After His Wife Passes
Friendly Donkey Serves As A Guide For A Blind Horse
A First Birthday Reunion Party For The Whole Litter, Mama Pup Included
This Senior Dog Sanctuary Celebrated 12 Years With A Dog Prom
Cat's Face Shows Opposite Of Gratitude After Being Rescued
A Husky Was Lost. Owners Found Him With A Drone - Hanging Out With Bears
Absolutely Adorable: Watch This Bear Wash Her Hair
Wolfpack Greets One Their Own After Separation
'It Was A Magical Romance Moment From The Movies': Two Swans Reunite After Rehab
Can't Stop Laughing: Woman Screams, Runs From Angry Honking Geese