We are a dedicated group of Year 5 Primary Years Programme students from The Shri Ram Academy in Hyderabad. As part of our project on Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education, we explored the challenges faced by children in government schools across Telangana, both in rural and urban areas.

It saddens us to see how big the gap is in the quality of teaching and learning between different sections of our society. We truly believe that every child, no matter how rich or poor, deserves access to good education.

According to the ASER 2024 report, Telangana showed a negative trend in many areas of basic learning. The enrolment of children aged 6–14 in government schools dropped from 70.1% in 2022 to 59.8% in 2024, falling below the national average of 66.8%. There has been foundational learning deficits among students in Classes III to V where only 18% could read a Class II-level text, and 49% could perform basic subtraction while for Classes VI to VIII, 46.4% could read at a Class II level, and 34.7% could solve division problems. Over 90% of rural schools in Telangana lack computers for students, hindering digital literacy and learning opportunities. Approximately 15.8% of schools lack drinking water facilities, and only 60.4% have designated playgrounds, affecting the overall learning environment. 

This is so unfair. We are lucky to go to private schools and get proper education, but many children below the poverty line don’t get the same chance. It’s heart-breaking to know that while we get individual attention from our teachers, some children sit in crowded classrooms with 80–90 students and just one teacher.

Imagine a young child waking up and doing housework first, not wanting to go to school because it doesn’t feel meaningful. What kind of future will they have?

We request the Department of School Education to take action now. Here are some of the changes we would like to propose:

• Bridge the infrastructure gap by providing basic services like safe and clean washrooms, nutritious food through mid-day meals, safe drinking water, and secure school environments.
• Make schools hygienic and safe so children feel comfortable and happy coming to school.
• Ensure digital access by giving internet facilities and computers for learning.
• Provide enough teaching-learning materials like books, stationaries , additional resources and manipulatives in every classroom.
• Conduct regular teacher trainings on fun and innovative teaching methods.
• Promote teacher and student exchange programs between public and private schools so we can learn from each other.
• Strengthen School Management Committees to support schools better and ensure accountability.

Education is every child’s right. If we want our country to grow, we must give all children a fair chance to learn. Let’s come together to create a better, equal, and brighter education system in Telangana.

Please sign this petition and support our mission to make quality education possible for every child.