Compared to the general population, the progress of schooling among Dalit children in India up to this point has been relatively poor. Some parents do not see the value of educating their children, especially if they did not have the benefit of schooling themselves. With 75 percent of Dalits living below the poverty line, many parents need the income their children can earn by working alongside them in the fields or in the factory. Those children who are fortunate enough to attend school may do so under the cloud of discrimination—made to sit in the back of the classroom, taunted by their peers, or even assaulted by higher-caste children.

While GFA's English Medium Schools are located in Dalit communities, usually where there are no other schools nearby, they are open to any child regardless of caste. An English language education not only gives children a global perspective but opens the door to opportunities they would otherwise be denied: higher education and better job prospects.

Most schools offer grades 1 through 4 for boys and girls up to age 15 (there may be older students just starting out). The goal is to one day accommodate children through the 8th grade, with some schools giving instruction through the 12th. Because of the urgent need for instruction, classes are currently held in rented facilities. Long-range plans include the construction of school buildings as soon as funds are available.

Each school has anywhere from 12 to 80 students, usually with three to seven teachers. Classes are assisted by native missionaries, members of Believers Churches, or GFA Bible school students. Three Bible school students helped set up a school in a remote village in Assam, where the nearest school used to be 20 kilometers away. To the 65 children under their care, they have become as dear as parents.

Last year in West Bengal, Gospel for Asia established eight English Medium Schools. Though many districts in this state have been classified as literate, many Dalit communities have had no access to even a single school. “Education has not yet touched the downtrodden people,” said a field leader. “The thinking is that a modern English education is only for high-caste rich people.”

One of these eight schools began with 60 children coming from nearby villages that together represent more than 600 households, the majority of them Dalit and tribal families. In the 55 years since India's independence, no organization ever attempted to provide area residents with a basic education. “It is the first time in this village,” noted a village leader, “that our children have the chance to study at an English-language school.”

A Key to the Community
In the larger picture of Gospel for Asia's church planting work, the schools are a key that unlocks a community so GFA workers can share Christ's love with parents and others.

An example of that dynamic at work can be seen in the ministry of Brother Aaron, a native missionary in the state of Haryana. When he first went house-to-house to promote his plan for a primary school, parents found it hard to believe anyone sincerely cared about the welfare of their children. After much prayer, Aaron finally won the adults over and started an English Medium School with 34 students.

Some in the community, however, demanded the facility close within 24 hours. The next day a mob gathered at the school and pelted it with stones. Aaron and his four teachers were inside praying for God's help. Thankfully the mob dispersed before anyone was hurt. Soon afterward the village leader voiced his support of Aaron, warning any potential troublemakers. When 150 people came to the school one evening to view a film on the life of Christ, the missionary knew he had gained the community's favor.

In the neighboring state of Rajasthan, another native missionary, Brother John, started small with only two students. Today he teaches 30 children, most from Dalit families. “First he had to spend a lot of time meeting with parents to convince them the school could provide a good education at a reasonable cost,” reported a field leader. “Now the parents are enthusiastic. The school is a blessing for those families who were unable to send their children anywhere due to the cost of education.” God also gave him the opportunity to share the Lord with the children's parents.

“Overall there has been a good response from parents,” said a senior GFA leader. “They very much appreciate the discipline and method of teaching. We are receiving requests from communities to start more schools … [and] need teachers and administrators who can operate them with excellence.”

As Gospel for Asia seeks to establish 100 additional schools in 2003, please pray that every child and family will come to know the Lord and His love for them.

Click here to see more photos from Dalit primary schools