From Child Labour to College: Support Her Future

I take being able to read and write so much for granted, that hearing Chaitali's story made me realise that these skills are a gift, a gift that not everyone in the world is able to have.

Chaitali's Story - Aged 8

Mr. Kailash Shinde, his wife Archana and their three children live in the village of Watkhal. The village and agricultural land was flooded with the building of the Pimpalgaon Joge Dam.  This is a tribal area and as employment opportunities are almost nil, both Kailash and his wife are working as wage labourers on roads and building sites away from home.

Chaitali is the eldest daughter and has struggled in her studies. In class she was not able to recognise letters of the alphabet and this was giving her low confidence and a feeling of inferiority. Her parents and other relatives have teased Chaitali, saying that her younger sister, Vaishali is cleverer than she is. Even the teacher has been disparaging. 

NISD’s Reading Improvement Programme (RIP) class teacher identified Chaitali and tested her ability. She achieved a D grade.  The teacher first of all encouraged Chantal’s parents to allow her to attend regular out of school classes.  Chaitali thrived in the supportive class and day by day, started showing progress in her reading and writing.  Her confidence level increased and it helped her to start mixing with other children.  The RIP class activity has thus helped one small girl to rebuild her confidence. Chaitali is now working hard on her education.  This will definitely bring a positive change in her life.  

By supporting this project, let's continue to give children like Chaitali the gift of reading and writing.