Educate 80 Tribal Children in India

I could never imagine that I could choose a career for myself. 

Belonging to a tribal family, I lived in a Niwachi adiwasiwadi in Koturde village in Mahad block of Raigad district. My family consists of five members which includes my parents and my two younger siblings. My parent always worked hard as seasonal daily wage labour to fulfill our families’ basic needs.  At times they get work only for six months and then migrate in search of work during the other months. Even though I was keen to study and attend school regularly, due to our poor financial situation, I had to drop out and discontinue school and travel with my family every now and then, supporting them in their livelihood.  

Then with the help of PRIDE India’s team, my parent enrolled me at Muktashala for my third grade which had become a turning point in my life. Whenever my parents migrated, I stayed at the residential facility which supported me with nutrition, study material, academic support classes to improve my academic performance.  Being a shy child, I gradually began participating in extra-curricular and group activities, sport, and various competitions. I was also appointed as a Child Committee Member at Muktashala. Given such an encouraging environment, it was a perfect platform for me to grow personally and academically too. Through Muktashala, I also got a chance to acquire my computer skills. 

My joys knew no bound when I cleared my tenth grade. After that, I was guided by the Muktashala team to enroll myself for ITI. Today I’m in the second year pursuing my automobile course in Mahad.  

My family feels very proud of my achievement as not many members from my community are able to pursue their dreams. I sincerely thank the PRIDE India team and it well-wishers for making my dreams a reality and also for many more children like me who are unable to achieve their goals due to lack of opportunities.  

 - 18 years old Rajesh (Name Changed)