MIDDLE SCHOOL FINALIST - Eesha Jain

Eesha Jain, Grade 8
Seattle, Washington

EDUCATION IN INDIA

India has a population of about 1.3 billion people, but nearly 92 million children, 20% of all eligible kids in India, struggle to receive education. With 21.2% of India’s population living in poverty, 7.8 million children work while attending school and another 84 million children don’t attend school. Even with the Right to Education Act that makes school compulsory for children ages 6-14, 29 out of 100 girls and boys are forced to drop out by their parents to help at home before completing elementary school (UNICEF).

Students going to school still struggle to get a proper learning experience. 1 in 40 primary schools in India are held in inadequate tents or open spaces with unqualified teachers and little resources like pencils and chalkboards (Borgen Project). Poor quality teaching and learning practices result in lower school attendance and makes it harder for students to succeed. Since my parents were raised in India, they told me many stories about their education that I have witnessed in trips to India. They weren’t provided relevant textbooks, dedicated and experienced teachers, or STEAM opportunities given in the United States.

Education is rare for students, but STEAM education is even rarer. As STEAM careers become more significant, teaching these skills to students is crucial for their fundamental learning. With this, they can create the tools necessary to improve their home conditions while changing the world. A study recently conducted by IBM STEM for Girls and Quest Alliance found that most educated girls in India have goals to pursue STEAM jobs in medicine, engineering, agriculture, and scientific research. However, they are faced with challenges that inhibit them from reaching these goals. 23% of these obstacles are from societal stereotypes and family pressure, 19% are from lack of organization support, and 10% are caused by the difference in their abilities (Market Watch).

By posing challenges on bright minds, they are prevented from reaching their truest potential. They are prevented from making changes to their world. If they don’t receive better education now, the future of their education, later generations, and India is harmed. Making better education accessible in India is imperative along with including STEAM in the curriculum.

I propose an effective 4-step plan that will allow United States citizens to change the future of India. First, awareness of STEAM and its impact needs to be spread. They will start to find solutions to daily challenges they face, preparing them for entrepreneurship. Next, resources and funding should be provided to underprivileged communities. School fees will be paid for those who cannot afford it. More students will be able to attend school while helping their families and getting a sophisticated educational experience. Afterward, a rigorous teacher training system will be implemented to prepare teachers. Lastly, remote outreaches and events that challenge the next generation of young thinkers in India will begin. These steps are interdependent on each other, and all vital to India’s educational success.

Being passionate about this subject, I co-founded a non-profit organization called Robotics for All (https://roboticsforall.us/). Based on my many years of experience in the STEAM field, I am qualified to create enhanced programs that prepares these students for STEAM experiences. I have been teaching self-made content that has impacted 435 students in two schools that prepare them for robotics competitions. As this non-profit expands, my goal is to spread more awareness of STEAM by creating a variety of content as well as provide funding to students who struggle to pay for education. STEAM education is a huge challenge in India, and Robotics for All is an effort to spark the change.

WORKS CITED

“101 American School Statistics: 2020 Data, Trends & Predictions.” Guide 2 Research, www.guide2research.com/research/american-school-statistics.

“Education.” UNICEF India, 24 Mar. 2021, www.unicef.org/india/what-we-do/education.

“STEM for Girls: Shaping Women's Education and Careers in India.” MarketWatch, MarketWatch, 17 Mar. 2021, www.marketwatch.com/press-release/stem-for-girls- shaping-womens-education-and-careers-in-india-2021-03-17.

Thelwell, Kim. “10 Facts about Education in India.” The Borgen Project, Kim Thelwell Https://Borgenproject.org/Wp-Content/Uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.Jpg, 23 July 2019, borgenproject.org/10-facts-about-education-in-india/.

Thelwell, Kim. “Redefining STEM Education in India.” The Borgen Project, Kim Thelwell Https://Borgenproject.org/Wp-Content/Uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.Jpg, 14 Nov. 2019, borgenproject.org/redefining-stem-education-in-india/.