Jyoti puts up a strong front and fights for her right to learn

Jyoti was studying in the 8th Grade when she was pulled out of school to get married. Her studies came to a halt and she gave up on education. Her household responsibilities grew, and she forgot the basics of learning. But she didn’t give up dreaming of an education. Her desire to learn and complete her education never died. 

One day, Jyoti met Educate Girls’ Prerak Neha in her village. Neha told her about the Pragati, Educate Girls’ second chance program for adolescent girls and young women (aged 15-29) that builds life skills, agency, and educational credentials via open schools (Grades 10 and 12). After speaking with her, she enrolled Jyoti in the Bihar Board of Open Schooling and Examination (BBOSE) for her 10th-grade examinations. This made Jyoti very happy, but she didn’t know what lay ahead.

Her husband, Sonu, refused to allow her to study. He said that he would not let her sit for the examinations and threatened to get her name struck off. This led to excessive fights at home. He became increasingly difficult to deal with and Jyoti didn’t give up either. Throughout this, Neha kept visiting Jyoti’s house and tried numerous times to convince her husband. However, Sonu refused to listen to anyone.

Then, Jyoti took a bold step. She returned to her maternal home and told Sonu that she would only go back to him if he allowed her to study and go to Pragati camp. She knew she had to fulfill her dream and she wouldn’t let anyone stand in her way. 

Finally, after some time, Sonu decided to go to his in-laws’ house and bring Jyoti back. He said he accepted Jyoti’s decision to study and go to Pragati camp. He would even allow her to give her exams. 

Now, Jyoti regularly goes to Pragati camp and learns with dedication. She knows the battle she had to fight for her right to education. She is aware that she is not alone in her journey and hopes her resistance will inspire other girls to dream big