Children are hit hard during lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in rural areas the state of Bihar. The majority of children already faced the pull of labour demand in normal times, but since all schools are closed they are an even more easy target for work demands. WNCB partner MV Foundation attempts to address the issues of children during the lockdown in the villages.

As part of its work MVF staff, often accompanied by Asha workers and youth in the villages, have been contacting families and encouraging the parents to take care their children’s health and follow health advices on the pandemic like wearing masks, washing hands and sanitisation. During these visits, parents asked the MVF staff to support them in preventing that children are going out of the houses or going to work.

The programme team soon realised that children cannot be left alone and decided to organise short time remedial classes for them in each village. The issue of conducting remedial classes for children was discussed with the GP leadership who supported the idea and offered necessary support in conducting remedial classes. Parents were happy and village youth volunteered to support and offered to teach the children in remedial classes.

The programme of remedial classes for children during the lockdown covered 2146 children in 96 centres among 5 district of Bihar. All these centres were incidentally organised in Mahadalit communities (marginalized communities in Bihar), classes were organised from 3PM to 5PM in the afternoon and in all 96 centres the village youth, child rights protection forum members and MVF staff have been organizing classes, games and other activities for the children.

Classes were organised in school buildings and in sometimes in the tree shades. Children were encouraged to wash their hands and 3 feet distance was observed in each classroom.