Signal Shala Blessing of the New Era
Why was the need for Signal School felt?
From the beginning of the world to its end, one thing will remain constant – migration. From the Stone Age to the Cyber Age, and into the future, migration will always be a common thread. All developed countries across the world have grown significantly due to the contributions of migrants. While migration has led to inclusive development, it has also raised some complex issues.
Signal School is addressing the issues of migrants who have not been able to integrate into the mainstream by providing answers through education. This is a successful effort to ensure that if children cannot reach the school, the school will reach the children.
How did it begin?
The innovative initiative of the Signal School under the Teen Hath Naka flyover in Thane was launched in 2016 as a joint effort between Samarth Bharat Vyaspeeth and the Thane Municipal Corporation. Over 70 children from migrant families, who had been living under the flyover for the past 20 to 22 years, have now been integrated into both the education system and mainstream society. This school, designed according to the needs of homeless and displaced children, offers services like school buses, bathing facilities, three meals a day, and even advanced training such as computers, robotics, technical education, and sports training. The school is flexible and caters to the needs of the children, marking the first of its kind in Thane.
Samarth Bharat Vyaspeeth is active in Maharashtra, working in the districts of Mumbai, Thane, and Pune on various social initiatives.
What work has been done so far?
In the eight years of its educational journey, 8 children from Signal School have successfully passed the 10th grade. Among them, 4 children have reached the level of Diploma Engineering, and one boy has completed his degree and is undergoing police recruitment training.
Two children ranked 7th in the inter-school state-level science exhibition and were selected for a visit to ISRO.
Seven students achieved the prestigious Judge’s Award at the International Robotics Competition.
Students have excelled in various sports competitions, including skating, mallakhamb, kho kho, and kabaddi.
Six students trained at the Signal School’s vocational training center have now started their own independent businesses in fabrication.
While the children are progressing in their education, nearly 80% of the homeless parents have moved from living under the flyover to renting houses or living in small huts.
With the help of the school, 5 parents have become auto-rickshaw drivers.
Thanks to the school, the paths for millions of homeless and migrant children have been broadened.
What has been decided to be done in the future?
In the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, there was an extensive discussion about the school, and it was honored as a pioneering project for the education of migrant children. Now, Signal School has set its sights on expanding such projects across the country, with the goal of bringing countless out-of-school children into the mainstream education system.
