VOICED : Learning to read and write at India's school for grannies

In rural India, elderly women aged 60 to 90 are attending a 'grandmother school' to fulfill their dream of becoming literate. The school, located 120 kilometers from Mumbai and funded by a charitable trust, challenges traditional attitudes by allowing these women to break stigmas associated with illiteracy. The initiative promotes equality and community integration, with students wearing colorful uniforms to defy traditional mourning attire. The school day includes two hours of study, and students often complete homework with help from their grandchildren.

What is the age range of the women attending the school in rural India?

• 30 to 50

• 60 to 90

• 70 to 100

• 20 to 40

What is the primary reason these women did not attend school as children?

• There were no schools in their village.

• They were not interested in education.

• They had to stay at home or work while their brothers went to school.

• They were too young to attend school.

How is the 'grandmother school' initiative funded?

• By the government

• By a charitable trust

• By the local community

• By international donors

What color was chosen for the school uniform to challenge traditional attitudes?

• Blue

• Pink

• White

• Green

What is one of the cultural taboos the school aims to break?

• Women working outside the home

• Widows wearing white while mourning

• Children playing in the streets

• Men cooking at home