Case Studies
A New Beginning
An account of Amrita (name changed) as her teacher remembers
When Amrita was in class 5, her mother admitted her to our SPADE-run Bartika Learning Center. Her mother’s words still float before my eyes. “In any way, you teacher, raise my daughter. The condition of my house is not good. She is extremely poor in her studies, she is also not going to school regularly, and I am not able to give much time to my daughter”.
I was very sad to hear the words that day. After seeing Amrita, I understood that she is a very calm girl. Amrita started coming to the learning center every day on time. When she first came here, she could not read Bengali, could not do addition, subtraction, multiplication, division in mathematics. She was not able to speak or write about anything on her own. Even if she did not understand something, she hesitated to ask the teachers.
Initial Worries
I was very worried. I saw that there are many like Amrita who can’t do any of these things. Bartika Learning Center has been started in order to impart education in a new way. Everyone comes here and studies on their own; the teachers help them if they don’t understand by themselves.
For six to seven months, there were emphasis on Bengali handwriting and reading methods regularly. So that the students do not lag behind others, they study through computers with internet facilities. In addition, drawing, dancing, sports were introduced.
These learners also undertake Bratachari – a comprehensive programme of physical, mental, and intellectual culture, based on folk traditions of physical exercise, art, dance, drama, music, singing and social service.
The Progress
After coming to the class, she started to catch reading, comprehend the text, and capable of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
Slowly everything became her habit. Now everything is much better than before. As a result, her tendency to go to school has increased.
Now she has elevated to the sixth standard with better marks in every subject. Inquiring with the school teachers, it is leaned that she is now attending school regularly and is concentrating on her studies.
Amrita loves playing football and dancing. All the children are given regular training and dance practice in Bartika Learner Center to improve their skills.
Amrita has participated in the annual sports competition of the school and has done very well.
A Heart Winner
She has won everyone’s hearts by performing a very good dance in the cultural program of the school. A girl like Amrita has managed to excel in studies or other subjects despite pitiable home environment.
Let’s hope that in the future Amrita can reach the pinnacle of achievement in life. Bartika Learning Centre of SPADE will always be with her in any situation.
A New Chapter
An account of Rina Mahato, a girl from a village of Purulia
This 17-year-old girl from the quaint village of Darodi, led a life deeply rooted in simplicity alike most other classmates of her. She is a student of class X at Darodi H. K. Bidyapith, Kenda, Purulia, West Bengal. Rina’s world revolved around her family of five, including her father Binoy, her mother Kalpana, and her two younger sisters, Rachana and Moina who are in eighth and sixth grade respectively in the same school.
The Mahato family’s residence, a single-room of about 144 sq. ft. is made of mud, and is being used for all purposes – living, dining, entertaining guests, and so on. The source of drinking water is the well and tube-well in the locality. Even today, the family has not been able to construct their own toilet. The distance between their home and school is 2.5 km, a journey Rina paddles daily on her trusted bicycle. Their monthly income, primarily sourced from agriculture and wage labor, amounts to Rs. 6000.
The Big Step
On July 13, 2019, Rina embarked on a new chapter by joining Bartika Learning Center (BLC). Recognized for her sincerity and discipline, Rina quickly became an obedient and diligent student, impressing her teachers with her steady progress. Her commitment to education was evident as she attends classes regularly, submitting homework without excuses. In her last examination, Rina’s prowess in Physics shone through, yet Mathematics proved to be a stumbling block due to insufficient practice. Undeterred, she actively participates in class discussions and sought clarification whenever needed.
The Progress
Rina’s classmate, Supriya Soren, noted the positive impact of Bartika on her friend, witnessing a heightened dedication to studies. Besides, Rina’s involvement in extracurricular activities was extensive. From sports and games to music and dance, drawing and painting, and recitation, she embraced every opportunity to explore her talents. Her amiable nature earned her a circle of close friends, including Supriya, Manashi, and Sahina. Kanaklata Besra, a student of class IX had observed that Rina not only participates in all extracurricular activities organized by BLC but also, she is helpful and friendly in nature.
Rina's Inspiration and Support
Kalpana, Rina’s 40-year-old and Higher Secondary passed mother, played a pivotal role in supporting her daughter’s education. Despite managing the household chores and assisting her husband in agricultural activities, Kalpana also works as a wage laborer to supplement the household income. Observing Rina’s heightened commitment in her studies after joining BLC, Kalpana made conscious efforts to reduce Rina’s household workload, providing her with an environment conducive to focus on her studies. In an effort to minimize distractions, Rina is prohibited from using a mobile phone for leisure, and an electric light was arranged to facilitate her studies. Kalpana ensured Rina’s regular attendance at both school and BLC, recognizing the impact education could have on her daughter’s future.
The Journey Continues
Rina’s journey, marked by resilience and determination, is a testament to the transformative power of education in rural settings. As she has been able to balance her responsibilities at home, school, and BLC, Rina emerged as a shining example of the potential that lies within every student, regardless of the constraints of circumstance.
Children like Amrita & Rina need your help!
Internationally, this generation of students now risks losing $21 trillion in potential lifetime earnings in present value, or the equivalent of 17% of today’s global GDP, up from the $17 trillion estimated in 2021.