By Capt. Indraani Singh | CEO & Managing Trustee
Habitat of Manoharthana Jhalawar, Rajasthan-Background
Manoharthana, located in the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan, serves as a minor business hub for several surrounding villages, primarily dealing in grain and oilseed. Despite Rajasthan's reputation for arid and desert land, this area is quite green, with ample vegetation and rainfall during monsoons.
The major problem is that area has limited options for higher education, with the nearest college located 50 kilometres away. Although primary and upper primary schools are available, they need more facilities. Moreover, the need for more access and opportunities for livelihood and employment is a significant reason for inhabitants to migrate.
The economy of the district is primarily agriculture based. The majority population is engaged in agriculture, related work, and other marginalized fieldwork. The lack of access and opportunities for livelihood and employment is a significant reason for inhabitants to migrate. People migrate for jobs in nearby cities like Jhalawar and Kota and other areas. Men depend on seasonal agriculture, and a few are engaged in tobacco manufacturing. A few families are involved in weaving, but due to competition and the availability of cheap and modern substitutes, their livelihood is thwarted, with no chance of upskilling.
An academic baseline assessment highlighted that over 50% of students in primary classes could not keep up with the learning levels and exhibited severe learning deficiencies. During community interaction, it was observed that many girls dropped out of school for being in remote rural areas and lacking basic transportation such as bicycles. Early marriages in these rural villages are another significant challenge in the area.
Literacy India working in this area to provide quality education to children, skills training, education and livelihood opportunities for youth and women. The project was designed for the rural, peri-urban communities wherein Smart Classes are organized. The presence of such a centre becomes a unique go-to centre for underserved communities as something like this never existed before.
Young girls had dropped out of school due to various issues – the most common being early marriage. The focus was on ensuring girls who were school dropouts were mainstreamed into regular education. This was done by mobilizing the community, speaking to the parents, and providing access to education.
Project Activities
Community survey and identification of beneficiaries for enrolment under the programs.
Impact:
One of the unique initiatives mentioned is the "2nd chance" program, which is helping dropout girls gain confidence and acquire new skills through education and training. The program has reportedly motivated girls to re-enrol in school and launch their businesses, such as Muskan starting her Tailor- shop. This was followed by Ravina being chosen as a "Girl Icon" for her inspiring efforts in motivating other dropout girls to return to school.
Rubina( name Changed) , A 2nd Chance Of Schooling: Putting it to Good Use
Rubina, a 17-year-old girl from Village Belash, lived with her father and grandfather after her mother passed away. Ravina's education was halted due to her mother's death, and she was expected to drop out of school. However, Ravina still had a strong desire to continue her studies.
Luckily, Rubina's fate changed when the Literacy India team visited her during a survey. She expressed her keen interest in studying and learning new skills. Literacy India's team requested her grandfather to allow Rubina to join the Learning Centre so that she could continue her education and learn a skill for her future. Initially, Rubina's grandfather was hesitant to permit her, but Literacy India's team managed to persuade him.
Rubine joined the academic and skill training classes at the Learning Centre and has been attending regularly, covering a distance of 4km daily. She is enthusiastic and a quick learner. Her admission form for the 10th class has been filled out through the Open School. To make her daily commute to the Centre easier, Rubina was provided with a brand-new bicycle.
"I never thought that I would get a second chance to study in life," Rubina said. "And here I am getting an additional opportunity to learn a skill from this Centre.I am also learning to operate a Sewing Machine & alter the dress."
Rubina’s determination and passion for learning have inspired many at the Centre, and she has become a role model for other girls in her village facing similar challenges.
Links:
By Capt. Indraani Singh | CEO & Managing Trustee
By Capt. Indraani Singh | CEO & Managing Trustee
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