Farmers start school - 29th January 2021

A school for local slum children has been set up in New Delhi by Indian farmers protesting against the government.

The school has over 60 pupils aged 3 to 13 and, for many of the children, it's the first time they have ever attended a class. The farmers had noticed the children in the area near the protest site. Many collect bottles for recycling in order to survive. The farmers convinced these poor children to come to their informal school.

The school runs from 11am to 2pm and the day starts with meditation. Pupils are put into groups by the school's five teachers and are taught skills including basic literacy. Many of the children are keen to learn English.

Books and stationery are provided by the farmers and local Sikh groups and the school is also used as a night shelter.

Meanwhile, the protest against new agricultural laws goes on. The new rules allow farmers to sell their produce in the free market, rather than state-run markets. However, free market prices are often lower than in the government ones. Farmers say this could lead to big corporations taking over India's agricultural industry.