After months of distance learning last year and a constant change between physical classes and homeschooling in the last few months, the school children in the Usthi projects are looking forward to being taught at the school again.

A week ago, we received the good news that the schools in Nepal and the Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal were allowed to reopen their doors to all students. The Midday Meal can also be offered to the children at the schools again. To celebrate the return, the Thaddeus School in Bhastara organised a welcome ceremony for the school children.

The Tuition Centres in the metropolis of Hyderabad and the Back-to-School programme can also resume in full. Only the mask requirement remains in place for the time being.

Since not all children could be reached with the long-lasting distance learning, it will probably take a few weeks to see how many children return to the schools. The project partners are following the progress closely.

For the children, going back to school means more than just learning new subject matter. School offers them a safe framework in which they grow up with peers. The routine gives structure to their everyday life and also makes it easier for their parents.

The fact that the projects are picking up full speed again is also evident in the professional skills trainings in Hyderabad. After 174 graduates received their certificates for the completed courses in January, the new courses have now started with full occupancy.