This has been a weekly routine for these underprivileged people following the recent initiation of an informal educational course implemented through the efforts of Dang District Education Office (DEO).[break]
Teachers reach out to their settlement and teach them about personal hygiene along with reading and writing, informed chief of Raute Utthan Prathistan, Satyadev Adhikari.
“Given the lack of education, the importance of a healthy life was always unknown to them. And from my observation, regular classes have certainly aroused their interest in learning more,” said Adhikari.
According to Adhikari, the three-month course has been categorized in such a way that they will learn about the importance of hygiene and acquire extra book knowledge at the same time.
“Every week they are showing keen interest in learning more. I was so happy when one of them asked me to teach him how to write his signature,” said Adhikari.
Asked why offer them education in personal hygiene rather than in other topics, Adhikari said, “They are very vulnerable to numerous diseases since they live a carefree life in the forests. After learning about preventive measures, they can help themselves more easily and lead a safer life”.
All the participants of the class are divided into age groups, informed Adhikari, who is one of the two teachers.
“Classes are held once a week but we are preparing to have classes on a daily basis from the coming new year,” he said.
Basics of oral hygiene