Introduction
Barefoot College is a well-known voluntary organization based in Tilonia, a village in Rajasthan, India. It was founded in 1972 by social activist Bunker Roy. The college focuses on rural development through education, training, and empowerment of poor and marginalized communities, especially women. It is based on the belief that solutions to rural problems can come from the communities themselves.
Key Features of Barefoot College
1. Education for All
The college provides non-formal education to children and adults who have never had access to regular schooling. Classes are designed in local languages, and learning happens through songs, puppetry, and storytelling.
2. Women Empowerment
One of the most unique features of Barefoot College is its focus on training rural women, especially grandmothers, as solar engineers. Women from across India and even other countries are trained to install and maintain solar lighting systems in their villages.
3. Use of Traditional Knowledge
The college respects and uses traditional skills and knowledge of local people in areas like healthcare, water harvesting, and craftwork. This helps preserve culture while promoting development.
4. Sustainability and Renewable Energy
Barefoot College promotes solar energy to bring electricity to remote villages. Its solar programs reduce dependence on fossil fuels and provide clean energy for lighting, water pumps, and other needs.
5. Community Participation
The college involves local communities in every stage of development – planning, decision-making, and execution. It follows Gandhian principles of simplicity, self-reliance, and service.
Achievements
- Trained over 1,000 women solar engineers from 90+ countries.
- Electrified more than 18,000 homes with solar power.
- Provided night schools and education to thousands of children in rural Rajasthan.
Conclusion
Barefoot College is a shining example of how voluntary action can bring real change to rural areas. It shows that even people without formal education can become powerful change-makers when given the right tools and support. Its work in promoting solar energy, women empowerment, and grassroots education has received global recognition and continues to inspire similar efforts worldwide.