Rita brings education to a rural village in the grips of alcohol

Krittika* is a nine-year-old girl who lives in a remote village in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. Both her parents, Prasad and Shyamrani, make, sell and also excessively consume liquor. 

Rita is from Shravasti District in Uttar Pradesh. Located adjacent to a forest, the village is difficult to access. Many of its residents work in agriculture, and a large number of them also prepare, produce and sell illicit liquor. Unfortunately, the entire village is in the grips of an alcohol epidemic. This is taking a toll on the children living there, many of whom do not attend school. In December 2022, Educate Girls was conducting door-to-door surveys in the district. Field Coordinator Rita reached Krittika’s remote village. Upon seeing the situation, she knew the school would provide much-needed structure to the girls living there.  

Along with Krittika, Rita identified many other girls who had never attended school. While some were enrolled, they had never attended. By now, Rita knew that the locals were unaware of the importance of education. But soon, she found out they were actively against her interference.

Despite knowing that the girls could only be enrolled in the next session, Rita decided not to waste any time. She regularly visited parents with the school teacher, Sarpanch (village head), and Team Balika volunteer from Educate Girls to dispel myths and prejudices about education. She established a connection with the locals by meeting them regularly. Soon, the community helped enrol many of the girls from their village.

Rita was still facing two major problems in getting Krittika enrolled. The first was that Krittika’s parents believed girls did not need to be educated as they would get married. The second was that Krittika was 10 years old, and the teachers were unwilling to enrol her. 

Rita organised a community meeting. Attendees were informed about the benefits of education and were made aware of the various educational schemes of the government. Rita also visited Krittika’s house with the Pradhan and school teacher. After all this effort, Krittika was finally enrolled in school. 

Rita feels immense happiness and pride about her success. Whenever she visits, she makes it a point to meet Krittika to ensure she still attends school regularly.