14th November. The date brings back fond memories of school picnics, sumptuous treats and feeling special in general. Children’s Day has always been a time to celebrate childhood but, today, has gathered a much larger significance in the face of India’s education crisis. Children are the leaders of our nation. When we engage in dialogue about systemic change through education policy, equity and innovation – we must include our children in the conversation as they are the most important stakeholders driving this change.
They have the potential to bring important perspective to the debate on education reform and can help us understand the ground reality of the current educational landscape while at the same time giving us hope with their sense of possibility. What better way to celebrate Children’s Day this year than by letting the children themselves take the stage? With this thought, we spoke to a few 11 and 12-yearold....