The Rebaris – pastoral nomads from Sirohi district of Rajasthan migrate with their families and cattle for over 8 months in a year. The migration is done in search of new pasture lands for their cattle, along with the trade & livelihood offered by the cattle and sheep. Enrolment in formal literacy structure is rarely seen among the tribe as they seldom stay at a location for more than a few weeks. Education of the children is primarily traditional and cultural in nature, and is focused on life skills as trade and cattle rearing practices.
Digitalization of trade, growth in supply chain, competitive markets and change in demands have adversely affected the traditional migration and trading practices of the Rebari tribe. Now the tribe is in a twilight zone where its wants to maintain its traditional roots such as the migration & cattle rearing; but also wishes for its future generations to be educated and literate, being at par with the society.
IIFL Foundation’s unique initiative Rathshaala helps to educate the upcoming generation of Rebari Tribes, with the thought of taking a school to those who cannot reach one.
