Open-air school for nomad children in Poonch

Poonch (J-K), Sep 7 (ANI): To provide basic education to the children of the nomad tribals of Gujjar and Bakkarwal communities, the government has opened various mobile schools along the Pakistan border in Jammu of Kashmir.

At least six mobile schools, including one seasonal center, are functional in the meadows along the military Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector.

These mobile schools have been holding classes for many children.

Asif Ali, a nomad living near LoC at Narian in Sawjian sector of Poonch said, "We are really thankful to the government that these schools have opened in forests, that too on the border and our children are getting good education here."

"Kids really like studying here since this area is open and cool breeze blows here," said Manzoor Ahmed, a teacher.

Although these mobile schools were first opened in the Nineties along the LoC but due to constant shelling along the border and rebel violence they were rendered defunct.

But following the five year old peace talks with Pakistan the mobile schools have now revived under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Education for All), Government of India's flagship programme for achieving Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE). (ANI)