Z.P. School Shiland | When Every Child Matters
On 30 December 2025, Lakshya Foundation revisited the tribal village of Shiland after a long interval. Tucked away in the interiors, Shiland is a small and quiet village with a population of barely 50–60 people—a place where numbers are few, but responsibility is immense.
At the heart of the village stands Z.P. School Shiland, currently attended by just four students.
A School Held Together by Commitment
The school is being led by Mrs. Charushila Mahajan, a teacher deeply familiar to Lakshya Foundation. For six years, she served as a pillar at Z.P. School Lavhali, where her dedication played a crucial role in rebuilding trust in education and strengthening the bond between the school, parents, and the village.
Now posted at Shiland, she continues her work with the same sincerity—teaching, motivating, and standing by her students despite the uncertainty surrounding the school’s future.
The Fear of Closure
There are ongoing discussions about the possible closure of Z.P. School Shiland, solely due to its low student count.
For the villagers and the teacher, this is not just an administrative decision—it is a deep concern.
If the school shuts down:
- the children will be forced to walk several kilometres to another village for schooling,
- daily attendance may become difficult,
- and the risk of early dropouts will rise sharply.
Understanding this, Mrs. Mahajan and the villagers are making every possible effort to keep the school running—by encouraging attendance, supporting the children, and voicing their concerns wherever possible.
Why This Visit Matters
Lakshya Foundation’s visit was not about announcing a project or conducting an event.
It was about acknowledging effort, listening to concerns, and standing in solidarity.
In villages like Shiland, education survives not because of scale, but because of belief—belief held by teachers, parents, and a handful of children who still show up every day.
A Quiet Commitment
As Lakshya Foundation continues its work across the tribal belt, Shiland reminds us of a simple truth:
Education is not about numbers—it is about access.
A school with four students is still a school.
A village with fifty people still deserves opportunity.
Lakshya Foundation remains attentive to Shiland’s situation and stands ready to support efforts that ensure these children are not left behind simply because they are few.
Some places do not ask for much.
They only ask not to be forgotten.
