“Nai Subah”- A Case Study on RTE

Profile of case

Name of child         :Kalawati

Age                       :13 Years old

Sex                       :Female

Mother’s Name        :Smt. Shiwani

Father’s Name         :Naththaram

Village                   :Dhiraikpurwa

Description of situation before intervention: Kalawati hails from a lower class family in which starvation is a close acquaintance. She had been attending schools regularly till 6^th Standard. Her father looks after family by doing daily labor and her mother engages in household chorus. Unfortunately both parents are illiterate and unaware on significance of education and prospective of education.  Consequently, parents did not give much emphasis on education of their child and she discontinued studies in the age of 11. Gradually, Kalawati has become a helper in household work with mother.

Intervention made: During the baseline survey, ADHIKAR animator Miss Neelam Devi identified this case and shared with all during monthly staff meeting. Then, some animators visited to Kalawati’s house and met with her parents. Staff made an attempt to orient parents on importance of education and its benefits. Fortunately, parents were motivated and convinced through frequent visits by animators. Later, Kalawati had taken to school, where she was studying, along with her parents and discussed on possibility of re enrolment of student under RTE act. Surprisingly, teachers were very cordial and congratulated the good work done by animators. Moreover, teacher has given the permission to re enroll Kalawati in VIII standard of Government Junior High School, Teergaw.

Challenges faced: In the initial stage, her parents were not in a position to even listen to animators, especially mother. Though her father was ready to send Kalawati to school, mother was a little ambiguous on re enrollment due to lack of knowledge and information on RTE.  

How challenges were overcome: Frequent visits of animator with inspiration led parents for a second thought. In addition, exposure of schools by parents made positive in sending their child to school.  

Present status or changed situation: Kalawati has been reenrolled to Government Junior high school , Teergaw in standard  VIII on 12/9/2012 . Now she is   going to school regularly and concentrating on her studies with more vigor and confidence. She has been able to bag many friends that helped her in studies. 

Note: This case study has been emerged from Lucknow diocese