Online schooling a non-starter for many Indian children amid pandemic

When India went into a sudden lockdown at the end of March, around 320 million children were impacted by the closing of schools. — AFP

Teaching in India moved online at the end of March during the coronavirus lockdown. But children from poorer homes and remote regions are struggling to continue their education as many have limited access to technology.

Ritu Jogi’s family of six share one smartphone. Meena Banswa’s father has a feature phone but can rarely afford a recharge. Zahida Khatun’s family does not own a phone at all. And none of these girls, aged between 12 and 17, have a computer.