Universities and colleges are thick on the ground here in India. Every
second person I meet who speaks even a lick of English is studying to
be an IT guy or an engineer. The other half have relatives in Canada
or Britain. India sports the biggest English speaking middle class in
the world. They are a well educated and well traveled bunch. But they
are the minority.
Only in 2009 did India legislate mandatory schooling for kids 6 to 14.
(The bill came into force April of this year). Thirty five percent of
Indians are illiterate and 50% of females can't read. Previously 50%
of children never went to school and 50% of the rest dropped out
before 11. This has resulted in a very strange economic structure.
Where India leads the way in grabbing computer and call center jobs
from the developed world their manufacturing pales in comparison to
China as their just aren't enough basic literate people to work. Life
is hard if you can't read basic instructions. Walk past a government
office and you will see dozens of people dictating letters or filling
out forms for those who can't write. Iliterate hotel clerks can't fill
in the forms to allow guests to stay and if they do often the results
are hilarious. My name was once written as Single Namanga (transcribed
from my Tanzania visa in my passport).
The government has made good on its promise of schooling. I often look
with envy at the shiny new school buses that pass as I wait for the
decrepit state run buses. Students receive free uniforms, books, pens
and often meals. Now the only hurdle is child labour keeping kids from
school. This includes families or children who survive by begging.
Ty
PS They are expecting the regular 2pm power cut soon so have to log off.
Also new photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/tysonbrooks/
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