Yashoda, a 16-year-old girl from Banouk village in Kishundas Panchayat, Sirauli Gauspur block, Barabanki, belongs to a farming family. Her family consists of her father, a younger brother, and two sisters. Tragedy struck when Yashoda’s mother passed away, leaving her to shoulder the responsibilities of managing the household and caring for her siblings. As the eldest child, Yashoda had to sacrifice her education and dropped out of school after completing class 8 in 2022.
Life became even more challenging when her younger brother broke his arm while playing. With his school temporarily closed, he too stopped studying, which added to Yashoda’s already overwhelming responsibilities. Feeling burdened, she resigned herself to the belief that her dream of returning to school was over.
Amid these challenges, hope arrived in the form of Vatsalya “Saksham” project, which established an adolescent girls’ group, Kishori Samuh, in her village. Yashoda became an active member of this group, where interactive activities, games, and discussions helped her understand the value of education and the struggles faced by those who had to drop out. Inspired by these sessions, Yashoda decided she wanted to resume her studies.
When Yashoda expressed her desire to go back to school, she faced resistance from her father, who was initially reluctant to let her re-enroll. However, her determination was unwavering. The adolescent girls in her group stepped in, speaking to Yashoda’s father and explaining the importance of education for her future. They highlighted her eagerness to learn and the positive changes it could bring to her life.
Their consistent persuasion paid off. Yashoda’s father eventually agreed, and she re-enrolled in class 9 after a two-year break. Today, Yashoda attends school regularly, accompanied by other girls from her village. Her joy and enthusiasm for learning are evident, as she thrives in her second chance at education.
One Step Towards School: Samreen’s Journey to Education
This story highlights the transformative efforts of Vatsalya in enrolling a young girl, Samreen, into formal education, paving the way for her brighter future.
Samreen, a seven-year-old girl from a marginalized family, lives in Tana, Masauli block of Nainamau village in Barabanki district with her parents and grandmother. Her family struggles to meet their basic needs. Her father, Mohd Hashim, works as a slipper vendor, traveling from village to village, while her grandmother supplements their income by making medicine envelopes.
As the only daughter in her family, Samreen’s education was limited to learning at home. Her father believed formal schooling was unnecessary, as most children in their locality attended an unrecognized Madrasa. Despite this, Nainamau had both a recognized Madrasa and a primary school offering structured education across various subjects, which could have provided Samreen with better learning opportunities.
Recognizing the importance of education for Samreen’s holistic development, representatives from Vatsalya Sanstha visited her family. They explained the long-term benefits of formal education, particularly for girls, and emphasized how schooling could create new possibilities for Samreen’s future. Initially hesitant, her father expressed willingness to enroll her but delayed taking action.
Through persistent follow-ups, the Vatsalya team continued to engage with her father, addressing his concerns and encouraging him to prioritize her education. Their efforts bore fruit when Samreen was finally enrolled in the recognized Madrasa, where she could access a comprehensive curriculum and structured learning environment.
Since her enrollment, Samreen has been attending school regularly. She has embraced her studies with enthusiasm, finding joy in learning alongside her new friends. Her family has noticed positive changes in her, expressing happiness and gratitude for this step forward. They acknowledge the persistent efforts of Vatsalya Sanstha, whose advocacy ensured Samreen’s right to education was realized.