How does one’s life look if they are not allowed to reach their full potential? We live in a world where millions of children are denied access to education and are deprived of an opportunity to realise their true abilities. Most of the time, they end up living a life over which they don’t have much control leading to frustration and hopelessness.
Such was the story of 14-year-old Kamla (name changed) from the Indirapuram area of Ghaziabad as well until she met a group of young volunteers from New Delhi. These volunteers mostly professionals and college-going students have been working tirelessly with a strong conviction for 13 years to ensure every child like Kamla gets an opportunity to pursue education.
Kamla’s father runs a roadside clothes ironing shop and her mother works 2-3 jobs to make ends meet and sustain their family of 6, all in the hopes of making a living in the city. Her elder sister works as a housemaid to support the family. Although she didn’t have the means to educate herself, she always wanted to give a better life to her younger siblings. Amidst, everyday life struggles she was eagerly waiting for that one opportunity, that one ray of hope that can help her fulfil her dream of going to school one day.
Fortunately, that day came in her life when a group of young Child Rights and You- CRY volunteers conducted a school enrolment drive by CRY in her locality in Indirapuram area of Ghaziabad. This group of volunteers stumbled upon seven children who had never stepped into a school in their lives despite being of school-going age. Among the children, there was a little star called Kamla. She had never held a pencil before but was filled with curiosity and longing for knowledge.
CRY volunteer’s team worked towards removing all hurdles that stood between Kamla and her dreams. They did multiple sessions to explain parents of the children the importance of education to convince them to send their children to school for a better future. However, the task proved futile and the team failed to persuade the parents to send their children to school.
But this group of young volunteers was not ready to give up. They decided to go an extra mile. They reached out to various schools, both public and private, and worked tirelessly to find the best possible education for the children. They analysed the quality of education of institutions and critically examined every aspect of students’ school experience. They talked with teachers and school principals, discussing a possible scholarship and financial aid for underprivileged children.
Despite them running from pillar to post to ensure these kids make it to school new challenges kept adding in their way.
“Some schools were far away from the place where the children lived. Combined with the uncooperative attitude of the parents, this posed a huge obstacle. The parents were hesitant and sceptical of the opportunities that education promised to provide to their children”, said Bhavya Kaushik, an undergraduate student from Delhi University.
‘The Proposal’ That Changed Everything
Despite manifold difficulties, these volunteers were committed to ensuring that these children get their Right to Education. Hence, they came up with a new strategy. They proposed to the parents that if they allowed their children to attend school, all books and necessary stationery would be supplied by the volunteers. This proposal resonated with the parents. To fulfil what they committed, these volunteers started a book donation drive.
Kamla one of the brightest among the group was soon enrolled in a school. At first, she struggled to grasp the basics and adapt to the changes around her. But with her dedication and enthusiasm, she began progressing and learned how to hold a pencil and write the alphabet. From a girl deprived of knowledge and opportunity, she became a confident young learner, striving to learn more every day. She grasped all opportunities that came her way and the spark of curiosity grew within her each day. The change in Kamla’s life is an embodiment of the power of education.
13 Years, 150 Volunteers And Enormous Hope
The role of youngsters in bringing positive changes to society is multi-faceted. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to challenge the status quo make them vital agents of change across a wide range of domains. Volunteers that include law professionals, IT professionals, and arts and commerce students are working rigorously for 13 years every weekend so that children from underserved communities can get access to education.
This International Youth Day story of Kamla and many other children like her who witnessed immense transformation proves that by harnessing the energy and ideas of the youth, society can benefit from their contributions and move towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.