More than 200,000 Indians Speak Out for the Right to Education

The first-ever digital awareness campaign, “Awaaz Do”, launched to raise awareness on the Right to Education (RTE), has generated an over-whelming response with more than 200,000 people joining the campaign in less than three months.

Prominent supporters include the Minister for Human Resource Development, Kapil Sibal, and Bollywood superstar and UNICEF National Ambassador, Priyanka Chopra, who have signed up for the campaign through its website www.awaazdo.in to support  the eight million children who are currently out-of-school.

India is home to a growing young, urban population that is mobilising to demand the goals set forth in the Right to Education Act, 2009 (RTE). The Act guarantees free and compulsory education for every Indian child, in the age group of six to fourteen years, regardless of caste, religion or background.

The media also has a significant role to play by keeping RTE firmly in the national spotlight. Using new technology and social networking, the campaign allows citizens to get actively involved and demand the right for children who are excluded and marginalised. As part of getting all children into school, the campaign encourages people to know more about RTE and also to take action in their communities by supporting schools in its implementation of the Act.