Internet blackouts force Kerala students outdoors

Poor internet connectivity in Idukki district has forced children to walk long distances in rain and mist to stay connected with their online classes.

Idukki:Digitisation which was meant to ease education has taken a toll on the students in Idukki district of Kerala. Due to poor internet connectivity, they walk with their laptops, books and food over six kilometres braving the mist, rain. They have turned the roadside into their digital classroom.

The girl students from Rajamala in Idukki have been studying outdoors since online classes began. They belong to the family of estate workers. Their parents have bought them laptops and smartphones to attend their virtual classes. However, with no internet in Rajamala, they need to fight the odds on a daily basis.

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Many other students have also dropped studies this year due to lack of internet connectivity and digital gadgets.

One of the girls says, “It is very difficult for us to trek the hills covering about 6 kilometres and be in sun, rain or fog through the day. We do not even have a shade or shelter anywhere nearby to avoid getting drenched in rain or to be away from the sun for some time. There is not even a restroom for our needs."

"Our teachers would not accept the fact that we have no internet connectivity and think that we are bringing up excuses. So, we started walking down here, attending classes and studying from here till 5 in the evening and returns home. This has been our routine for the past 8 months now,” she said.

"If a tower is installed in the area it would relieve distresses of many. It is not just us who struggle, there are many back home who have quit studying due to lack of connectivity," she added.

These girls have been leaving their homes every day similar to how they used to go to schools. They pack their bags with books and lunch to sit along the roadside until 5 in the evening and study. Mostly, these girls walk back home and reach only by night.

Many students - including these girls and other students who had to drop studies until regular classes begin - would be largely benefitted if the Government intervenes to provide internet connectivity in Rajamala through the private internet service providers or others.