More than two lakh people from across the country have come together to voice their support for the Right to Education, through the Awaaz Do campaign by UNICEF for out-of-school children. People are exchanging ideas on the campaign's website to make the act a success.

The campaign started in October last year and is using the internet, social networking and mobile technologies to mobilize and empower supporters to become actively engaged in discussions and debates.

David McLoughlin, deputy representative of UNICEF India presented a map of the country representing the geographical spread of these champions to the human resource development minister Kapil Sibal on Tuesday in a programme organized at MCD School, Turkman Gate.

McLoughlin said, “RTE is everybody’s business. We all have to do our bit to make sure that the rights enshrined in this legislation become the reality for every child in India.”

During the programme Sibal answered children’s questions. A young girl asked the minister when she will get more teachers in her school, where currently there is only one. Sibal said the ministry is trying its best to improve the infrastructure and it will be done in three years time. The minister informed that there are eight million children out of school and the government needs support from the society to make sure each and every child gets education at least till the age of 14.

He said, “This act ensures that the education as a right for every child till the age of 14. But I do want to extend this to higher secondary in next five years.”

He added that the ministry is trying to introduce vocational courses after class eighth so that if in case a child drops out, he can continue with the skill development course.

A public service announcement made to publicise RTE was also aired.