India flyover school offers lifeline to street children

Beneath the bustling flyover in India's financial hub, Mumbai, a row of colorful shipping containers houses an unconventional school dedicated to some of the city's most vulnerable children. Known as "Signal Shala," or traffic signal school, this initiative offers a crucial educational pathway for youngsters often excluded from the formal system due to poverty and migration.

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These children can’t go to (a regular) school. So (I thought) let’s do this. Let’s bring the school to them.

Founder Bhatu Sawant established the "Signal Shala" to reach children who cannot access traditional schools. Many of these children come from homeless families struggling to survive on low-paying informal work. The school operates from repurposed, air-conditioned containers, providing a safe space for learning amidst the constant hum of city traffic.

The school's approach is adapted to the realities of street life. A dedicated school bus collects students from Mumbai's slums each morning, providing essential transportation for parents who cannot afford it. Upon arrival, children are offered showers, as many lack regular access to bathing facilities. Lockers are provided for books and uniforms, ensuring their belongings remain safe and clean.

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India’s government-run schools are simply “not flexible enough for these children”, while private ones charging exorbitant fees are out of the question.

"Signal Shala" provides three free meals daily and extends its school hours beyond the norm. Classes are structured by ability rather than age, with teachers employing adaptive methods for children who may have never held a pencil before. The curriculum also includes essential life skills such as focus, clear communication, and the ability to sit still. The initiative is particularly vital for children from semi-nomadic communities, like the Pardhi community, who may not speak the local language, offering them a chance to catch up and integrate into the broader educational landscape.

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When the children came here, they didn’t know what the days of the week were, what the 12 months we