Give a girl a bike: help her to go to school

Dear Mann Deshi Supporters,

Swapnali is a student of Panchkoshi Vidyalaya studying in 9^th standard. She was born in a poor family. Her parents work as daily labours. Sometimes, even Swapnali has to go for labour work. They don’t own a land to farm by themselves neither they have a job. Hence, her parents grab every opportunity to do work of any kind. Their household expenses and children’s education is dependent on these earnings. Swapnali has two sisters who got married early due to their family conditions. So, it was not possible for her father to buy her a bicycle. That’s why Swapnali had to take 3 kms walk to reach school. Due to this time spent in daily commute, she was unable to find time for studying and ended up securing only 50% in her 7^th standard.

When Swapnali was in 8^th standard, she was gifted with a bicycle during Mann Deshi marketing mahotsav. As she saved much time in her commute due to the bicycle, she secured 65% in 8^th. She was able to go the school on time and save time for studying. Swapnali says, "Due to easy commute by cycle, I am able to attend extra classes in school. I can return home early and give time for studying after doing the household work. There are other girls in my school who also need this kind of help. I thank my school principal for recommending my name for this bicycle. This was not possible without the support of Mann Deshi and my school.”

Thank you so much for all our Supporters !!

Links:

• Her own voice: How rural women contribute to community radio - T

“It is not a bicycle; it is like wings for me. Now, I can give more time for my studies, can reach school in time. I am very thankful to Mann Deshi who made it possible for a poor girl to seek education in Rayat Shikshan Sanstaha. I will try my best to fulfill the expectations of everyone”- Says Aishwairya

I, Aishwarya begin with the thought of great author V.S.Khandekar- “Human mind can’t be tied with the chains of the past tightly. It is blessed with the blessings of future like the wings of eagle. I have also seen a dream.”

I live with my parents and brother. My father was a farm laborer and the economical condition of the family was poor. My mother was doing her best to save money for our education. But as it was drought in our area, the family earning was so little to live. The condition became more severe as my father fell sick. All the savings of the family was spent on his treatment but in vain. We lost him.

It was a big loss for us. I go to school by foot. The distance is 4 Kms. My mother wishes and dreams that both her children would seek good education and become self reliant. Either of my parents was interested in education but poverty diverted them from it. Now, I have decided to fulfill their dream. My brother also studies.  We both go to work on holiday.

I like reading and always wins first prize in speech competition. My Headmaster helped me by selecting me for ‘Free Bicycle for Girl Students Initiative’ of Mann Deshi Foundation.

“It is not a bicycle; it is like wings for me. Now, I can give more time for my studies, can reach school in time. I am very thankful to Mann Deshi who made it possible for a poor girl to seek education in Rayat Shikshan Sanstaha. I will try my best to fulfill the expectations of everyone”- Says Aishwairya