The journey to learning: Ananya’s story of hope and education

Ananya* is a 10-year-old girl from a remote village in Alirajpur district, Madhya Pradesh. She lives with her parents, grandparents, four sisters, and one brother. Her family depends on agriculture and often migrates to Gujarat for labour work. Due to this, Ananya was not enrolled in school. 

During a door-to-door survey in the village, Shankar, an Educate Girls’ Field Coordinator, visited Ananya’s house and found her at home. Her parents were busy with farming, and Ananya had stayed back to take care of her younger siblings and help with household chores. 

When Shankar later met her parents, he spoke to them—her parents said, “It is better if she helps at home while we work in the fields.” Despite several conversations, they were not ready to change their mind.

Shankar then visited the local village school to discuss Ananya’s situation with the teacher. Together, Shankar and the teacher decided to visit Ananya’s house to speak to her father. But once again, he refused.

The next day, Shankar met the Sarpanch (village head) and explained Ananya’s situation. He requested the Sarpanch to accompany him to Ananya’s home and speak with the family. During the visit, Shankar shared examples of the difference that education can make. He also shared his own story – how being educated allowed him to work and support others. This time, the message got through. Ananya’s parents finally agreed to send her to school.

Shankar then helped them arrange all necessary documents. Since Ananya didn’t have an Aadhaar card, he took her parents to the Panchayat Secretary to get her birth certificate. He then accompanied them to the Aadhaar centre to get the Aadhaar card issued. 

With all documents in place, Ananya was finally enrolled in grade 1 at the village government school. Now, Ananya goes to school every day with her friends, smiling and eager to learn. Seeing this, her parents are happy and grateful. They expressed their sincere thanks to Field Coordinator Shankar and the primary school teacher for helping them understand the importance of education.

*name changed to protect minor