The first lesson is cleanliness

When Gandhiji was in Champaran in Bihar, he entrusted the work of opening and running the schools in nearby villages to many volunteers.

One day he asked Kasturba, "Why not you too start a school here for the children?"

Kasturba said, "What will I do opening a school here? Shall I teach them in Gujarati? I do not know their language. How can I even talk to them?"

Gandhiji replied, "The very first lesson in children's education is that of cleanliness. You just bring together farmers' children. Check their eyes and teeth. Give them bath. Inculcate in them the habits of cleanliness. This education is not a bit less important. You can begin it from today itself. And Ba commenced her school."