Mumbai: Night schools in the dark

For many in Maharashtra night schools offer the only chance to improve their future or fulfil longlost educational dreams However these institutions are struggling to survive due to budget cuts and political apathy relying heavily on nonprofit organisations for support Over a century ago Maharashtra pioneered the concept of night schools enabling workingclass men and women to continue their education without sacrificing their livelihoods Now this legacy is under threatDespite a slight increase in the number of night schoolsmdash210 across the state with Mumbai hosting 150mdashfunding shortages and staff cuts jeopardise their future This year 4000 students from 102 night schools in Mumbai alone will appear for SSC exams proving their resilience against mounting challengesNight schools cater to diverse studentsmdashthose returning after a break those juggling work and studies and even parents studying alongside their children These institutions serve as a refuge for individuals who had to pause their education due to financial struggles and family responsibilities Their stories reflect perseverance grit and an unyielding commitment to educationA second chanceRani Suryavanshi 46 from Thane dreamt of completing her education but early marriage and motherhood put academics on hold Now with her children grownmdasha doctor an IT engineer and an air hostessmdashshe has enrolled in night schoolRani Rajaram Suryavanshi a Std X student PicSayyed Sameer AbedildquoThis is for me I want to do this for my selfconfidence and to fulfil my dream of completing my educationrdquo she says Married in 1994 while in Std VIII Rani was encouraged by her husband to study but lifersquos responsibilities took over Now appearing for her Std X exams she hopes to score first classTo young students she advises ldquoDonrsquot lose focus I see kids today distracted by phones and social media I returned to school after 31 years and understand the value of time Education has no age limit but itrsquos best not to waste timerdquoTwins on a missionSagar and Sangam Kamble 36yearold twins had to drop out when their father fell ill They initially joined a night school in 2007 but failed their SSC exams After years of working to support their families they have reenrolled at Shivaji Night SchoolTwins Sangam left and Sagar Shankar KambleldquoWe always wanted to study and now that things are slightly better we are determined to make it happenrdquo says Sagar Despite juggling jobs and latenight studies they are committed to passing their exams Sangam adds ldquoWe want to set an example for our childrenmdashto never give up on dreamsrdquoMotherdaughter duoSwati ChannaGajapkar 36 and her daughter Krutika 15 are appearing for the SSC exams together Swati had to drop out due to financial struggles but has now resumed her studies at Shivaji Night SchoolMotherdaughter duo Swati ChannaGajapkar and Krutika Gajapkar preparing for the SSC exam together this year PicsAshish RajeldquoI missed my SSC exams in 2005 due to family responsibilities Then marriage and work took over My husband reminded me of my dream also I needed to a degree to upgrade professionallyrdquo she shares Now working at a hospital she decided to return to school for career growth Her daughter helps her study and their journey has strengthened their bond ldquoItrsquos never too late to learnrdquo says SwatiKrutika a student at Auxilium Convent High School Wadala calls her mother her biggest inspiration While Krutika assists with digital learning Swati shares life lessons and motivationThe fight for survivalldquoNight school students are more than learners they are fighters dreamers and symbols of relentless dedicationrdquo said Sanjeev Kisan Birari principal of Mazagaon Night School Mulund ldquoThey donrsquot just seek a certificate but the empowerment education bringsrdquoDespite being a bridge between lost opportunities and new aspirations night schools struggle with staff shortages and financial constraints A 2017 government resolution barred dayschool teachers from working at night leading to the dismissal of over 1000 teachers While surplus teachers were meant to fill vacancies most positions remain emptyAn expert panel under the MVA government linked this crisis to declining academic standards urging the rehiring of regular teachers Though a policy allowing double shifts was approved in 2022 the new government stalled its implementation delaying muchneeded reformsldquoAuthorities undermine night schools to cut costsrdquo said a teacher ldquoWith fewer teachers principals often pay from their pockets when state funds are delayedrdquoMost night schools are governmentaided with minimal fees yet enrolment is falling ldquoWersquore working to rebuild our student baserdquo said Radhika Mahankal principal of Shivaji Night School Dadar ldquoFor decades wersquove helped dropouts complete their education but post2017 confusion and declining numbers persist Our goal is to revive interest and ensure quality learningrdquoGrowing role of womenDespite declining enrolments night schools have seen a surge in female students Nikita Ketkar CEO of Masoom an NGO supporting 76 night schools in Mumbai noted the shift in maletofemale student ratios from 7030 to 5050 over the past decade ldquoThis reflects growing aspirations among women who are now more aware of opportunities and eager to seize themrdquo she said Many female students have secured wellpaying jobs after completing their educationA call for supportMaharashtrarsquos night schools continue to provide second chances but their survival depends on adequate funding and staffing