Priya Singh wakes up early in the morning to help her mother with some chores and then leaves to attend classes at a makeshift school set up at the Singhu border, situated on a highway that links New Delhi and the northern state of Haryana.
Many children like Priya have been unable to continue with their studies since the onset of the pandemic. Unable to afford smartphones, they had no option but to abandon their education. “We saw a small kid eating out of a dustbin one day and it was heart wrenching. So, we held a small discussion and the idea of a makeshift school came into being. Some of these children have never been to school and we want to help them in whichever way possible,” says Sukhwindar Singh, a volunteer who makes sure everything is running properly.Farmers have been protesting against the three new agricultural laws on the Delhi border since November 28th.
“The children participate in all the activities with great enthusiasm. It is amazing how quickly they pick up whatever is being taught to them. They are eager to learn new things and I am glad I am able to contribute to this grand movement,” says Kamalpreet.After travelling for a few miles to the protest site at the Singhu border, you can spot a large tent amidst all the tractors.