Without a doubt, COVID 19 has affected every nation in the world widening the education and the livelihood gap in poor communities. India too implemented a variety of measures to prevent the virus from affecting people and the economy since the outbreak. Included in these measures were strict lockdowns that needed people to stay at home and conduct schooling and work online. Such online arrangements were possible for people in metropolitan cities such as New Delhi and Mumbai which had better online infrastructure. The same was just not possible for poor families and communities in rural India due to the lack of electricity and internet connectivity.
The poor communities, be it in urban or rural suffered because of no financial resources to buy laptops or pay for internet connections that would allow them to continue their education or work. Even when they did, the lack of access to consistent electricity and internet connectivity sometimes made things difficult for them.
The COVID-19 effects on the tribal communities in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh has accentuated a number of key issues like loss of livelihoods and a complete halt to education. Now, the already wide gap between education and livelihood is threatening to turn into a chasm that will exacerbate the cycle of poverty.
Ground Reality Of COVID-19 in villages in Mandla
The impact of COVID-19 on tribal and rural villages in Mandla has been tremendous. At the beginning of the pandemic in April 2020, the virus only had a marginal impact in the area. Even so, Mandla was under strict lockdown like the rest of the country, resulting in schools staying closed for more than a year. Regardless of the quality of teaching, schools continue to be the lifeline in the villages in the absence of other education sources. Beginning in July 2020, we had re-opened the shelter home that we manage along with the community. We welcomed back 65 students from the 4th to 8th classes.
- In April 2021 as the pandemic’s second wave appeared to have hit closer home, the children had to go back home. During this time, there was an average of 9-10 cases reported in Mandla.
- Then, the average cases started to skyrocket to 160-180 on a daily basis. The Mandla District Report Bulletin reported a total of 973 active COVID cases with 14 deaths in April 2021.
- The local government’s inability to provide quality testing drastically contributed to the significant rise in cases.
- Furthermore, those in tribal and rural areas started to see a huge spike in the number of ill people. Whole villages were falling sick with COVID symptoms with no means or resources to proper health care facilities.
- The nearest Community Health Center around 15-25 kilometers away lacked facilities to care for COVID patients.
- The well-equipped hospital in Mandla District, 40 kilometers away only admitted severe cases from the villages.
- Village doctors were diagnosing patients with Typhoid, prescribing medication that did more harm than good.
Without transportation to reach these facilities, villages that lacked pulse oximeters to monitor oxygen levels or treatment protocols on caring for the ill were left vulnerable, increasing mortality and morbidity rates. As vaccines became available, many older people who received their first shot still fell ill, a common effect of vaccination. Such a scenario alarmed many people in the community, dissuading them from receiving the vaccine. This became a roadblock in bending the curve as no one was entirely safe until everyone had been vaccinated.
ntil then, the virus continued to mutate and cause more active cases. Get to know how Mrida joined hands with other grassroots-level non-profit organizations to deliver medical help door to door with the help of technology under the COVID Relief Swasthya Seva Project.
Aside from the health implications, villages also faced long-term issues like negative agricultural impacts and food insecurity. Since local markets were closed, the supply chain and distribution of agricultural products that communities relied on for livelihood were cut off. They could no longer sell their products, resulting in scarcity in providing and caring for their families. The PDS shops, available to agricultural labourers and marginal farmers, closed and opened only at particular times, causing food insecurity.
Challenges and Constraints: Education and Livelihood Gap
Tribal populations already rank the lowest in employment and educational indicators as a result of economic and resource inequalities. Compounding this with the onslaught of COVID 19, the already evident socio-economic “gap” became increasingly wider. Those who come from rural and tribal communities are less likely to have access to education and stable work opportunities than those from urban locations. While the world moves to remote, technology-centric methods of carrying on academic and professional requirements, those in remote tribal communities have been left behind.
Lack of access To Education
- Access to quality education is the key to ensuring that future generations can break away from the cycle of poverty. It is what creates the opportunity for stable livelihoods. Since the start of lockdowns, schools have closed their doors and began developing e-Learning models that allow students to access their lessons from home. However, financial resources to invest in the technological devices required to attend classes are not readily available. Digital literacy in rural communities is not as developed compared to those in urban areas, as they rely mainly on traditional teaching methods. These roadblocks to receiving quality education create unequal opportunities for the youth in rural communities to pursue sustainable livelihoods in the future.
Amplified the Livelihood Gap
- The primary source of livelihood income for tribal communities is minor forest produce (MFP) and non-timber forest produce (NTFP) that is sold in local village markets. Because of strict lockdown measures set in place starting on April 10, 2020, the collection, distribution, and sale of these products in the 12 village markets have become stagnant. This disruption in the supply chain has directly impacted livelihoods in the region.
Mrida: Continuing the Path To Progress
This space is exactly where Mrida intends to start mending the gap. When the government first implemented the lockdown, the school we established for local children, Riverside National School closed down, sending students home and changing the educational landscape. As the pandemic continued, Mrida stayed in touch with students, noting their struggles and prepared to take action. Mrida sent food rations to families who were not included in government rationing initiatives and brought sick children and their families to the Community Health Centre or other well-supplied hospitals in Mandla for treatment.
Regardless of the challenges 2020-21 brought, we sought to work with partner Organizations to stay on the path to progress.
- Through incorporating technology into our initiatives, we continued teaching our students located in remote villages. Even so, the inability for many to access technology proves to be the most challenging hurdle, causing engagement rates to remain low.
To overcome the challenge, Mrida took the initiative and strategized learning models that make it possible for students to continue their education.- Worksheets and textbooks have been sent to children in their village along with the direct phone number of respective teachers. A strategy such as this encouraged students to complete their assignments and stay on track.
- Teachers provided pre-schoolers with audio content stories in their local language to promote early childhood learning and prepare them for formal education.
- For high schoolers, teachers conceptualized engaging and practical projects to keep their interest and commitment to learning.
The Mrida learning model also incorporates the development of life skills. Each student was required to practice one life skill of their choice and learn to make practical items such as bamboo articles, pickles, jams, hand wash, neem oil, and other items using materials available in their local communities.
By instilling a solid educational foundation in the students, we teach, Mrida can start the process of closing the knowledge gap between rural and urban youth. As a result, we take a step towards a more equitable future where the opportunity for a better life is not restricted to anyone.
Stirring the Pot on issues affecting education and livelihood gap in Mandla
COVID 19 has stirred the pot on glaring issues affecting tribal communities living in remote rural pockets of India such as Mandla. The lack of strong leadership in addressing these issues can no longer be ignored. Coronavirus pandemic has become the lens that has magnified glaring gaps and discrepancies in government programs and support, especially the fundamental human rights of access to quality education and stable livelihoods. While civil society organizations like Mrida strive to pave the way forward for tribal communities to have sustainable livelihoods and access to education, such efforts are most effective if supported by government initiatives and policies to create a sense of security and reliability in their community.
Connect with us if you want to be part of a bigger change to transform rural livelihood. Now, there are many ways you can Get Involved either directly or indirectly to empower children and youth through the skills, training, and development programs.
