An NGO, or a Non‑Governmental Organization, is an independent, not-for-profit entity formed by individuals or groups to address social issues. However, in terms of education, NGOs operate outside government-run systems to provide access to free or affordable education, advocate for policy change, and offer innovative solutions where traditional systems fail. While rooted in community insights, it is guided by a mission, not profit, and often collaborates with governments, the private sector, and social communities.
We recognize that education is a cornerstone of social and economic progress; however, many underprivileged children, particularly in rural and disadvantaged urban areas, lack access to basic education. NGOs fill the gap here between these children and their educational rights.
In today’s blog, we will discuss what Educational Support NGOs in Odisha entail and why they are essential.
Continue reading to learn more about the Abitech Foundation.
What does ‘’Educational Support’’ mean?
As we mentioned earlier, NGOs serve and innovate on behalf of the underprivileged. When we say educational support, we mean that these non-profit organizations offer the following:
- Access
NGOs fill the enrollment gaps and encourage children from marginalized backgrounds to attend school. This leads to dropout prevention through remedial classes, counseling, and incentives for students. - Quality Enhancement
Then, they focus on Teacher training. During this process, teachers are taught how to improve their pedagogy, classroom management, and inclusive teaching. They are also supported with remedial assistance that addresses learning loss and digital innovation by providing multimedia learning resources. This is a comprehensive package that keeps both teachers and students engaged and interested. - Holistic Development
NGOs also focus on holistic development, preparing children for life beyond the school years. They provide nutrition and mid-day meals that combat hunger. These programs have also encouraged many kids and their parents to pursue education.
- Policy and community participation
The NGOs play a significant role in influencing state policy regarding support, as well as encouraging parents and local councils to participate and organize programs for active participation.
The Importance of Educational Support in Odisha
Education is uneven in Odisha as it has socially and geographically diverse areas. This often results in a literacy gap even when they are enrolled in local schools.
One of the main reason for this is socio-economic barrier. Problems like poverty, child labor, gender norms, early marriage, and migration hinders educational access. besides that, not only seasonal migration disrupts literacy but also young girls are prevented due to safety concerns, distance and household responsibilities.
Educational support in Odisha is a necessity for the following reasons:
- No Schools
Many villages are located in remote areas where there are no proper roads or nearby schools. So the children have to walk long distance to attend classes. While this sounds not so big, it can directly discourage regular attendance.
- High Dropout Rate
Dropout rate in Odisha is very high due to poverty, migration or need to help at home, many children. In fact many girls drop out of school before completing their education.
- Poor Infrastructure
In many cases even where schools exist, they lack basic facilities like clean toilets, electricity, furniture and enough teachers to fill in the gaps.
- Language Barrier
Odisha has many tribal languages and many children don’t speak Odia, let alone English. So when they first enter school, it becomes difficult for them to learn unless supported by trained teachers or community educators.
- Lack of Awareness
In some communities parents don’t fully understand the long term value of education. They only prioritize earning a living over sending their children to schools.
Types of Educational Support Provided by NGOs:
The following are some of the types of educational support offered by NGOs:
- Academic Support
This provides extra classes, tutoring, homework help and remedial lessons for students who are behind. - School Enrollment Drives
This is to encourage children to go to school, especially in remote areas where education is not a priority. - Teacher Training
This helps teachers to learn modern and child friendly teaching methods so they can motivate the students to study. - Community Awareness
This involves talking to parents about why education is important and how they can help their children learn. - Digital Learning
Digital learning involves introducing technology like tablets and online tools in schools. - Girls and Children with Disabilities
Since women’s safety is a general concern, NGOs create a safe and inclusive space for all children to learn. - Health & Nutrition
And finally meals, clean water and hygiene education to keep children healthy and in school.
Bottom Line
Educational support NGO in Odisha is a simple vision that focuses on building a stronger future for every child. It offers basic education to the children between the age of 6 to 14, empower female children to study and be independent, and finally, raise awareness of human rights. Abitech Foundation is one such organisation that actively focuses on improving the condition of rural education.
Get in touch with us for more information.