Prevent girls from becoming child brides

Sagun Mahali is a 13-year-old girl studying in Class VII and residing in Rheabari Tea Garden in Jalpaiguri (West Bengal). She lives with her father, Bikash Mahali, and belongs to a family of tea garden workers with limited financial resources. Sagun’s early childhood was marked by emotional distress when her mother left the family and remarried.

Problem identified: Sagun’s father struggles with alcoholism and often failed to provide the care and stability a child needs, leaving Sagun to grow up with minimal parental support. With no dependable caregiver at home, Sagun manages most of her daily responsibilities on her own, including cooking her meals. The family does not have a proper house, as financial assistance received under the Bangla Awas Yojana was misused by her father. As a result, Sagun frequently stays at a neighbor’s home, where an elderly woman shows her affection and supports her like family. Although Sagun was enrolled in school, her attendance was highly irregular, and she often attended only when she felt like it.

Project intervention:

Home visits and counselling - The dedicated CRY project team conducted repeated home visits, counseling, and motivation sessions to encourage Sagun to attend school and the project supported learning center. Initially, she was reluctant to join the learning center but persistent visits and interactions by project team helped make Sagun to understand and started attending both school and at the center.

Learning support provided in center - When she first began attending the center, Sagun had very limited foundational knowledge. She was placed at the basic learning level, where educators patiently worked with her to build essential skills. The process was challenging, as gaps in attendance caused her to forget previously learned lessons, requiring continuous reinforcement. Nevertheless, through consistent guidance and encouragement by center educator, Sagun slowly developed interest and confidence in learning.

Supported in positive behavior change - Sagun was found sometimes to be strong-willed and whenever upset, she would refuse to listen to anyone. However, her kind heart and improving discipline that she shows while attending the center highlighted her potential for further development. Despite such hardships, Sagun demonstrated remarkable strength and determination.

Progress in learning and open to connect with peers- Sagun has started attending the center regularly and has progressed to Level III (Improved learning level). While her academic growth has been steady rather than rapid, the most significant change has been in her behavior and social interaction. Earlier, she remained withdrawn, used inappropriate language, and struggled to connect with other children. Today, she sits with her peers, participates in activities, and communicates respectfully. Her calm nature and caring attitude reflect a positive transformation.

Impact: The project is playing a crucial role in Sagun’s life by providing academic support, emotional encouragement, and a safe learning environment. Through regular home visits, individualized teaching, and compassionate mentorship. The project has helped a vulnerable child move from educational exclusion toward inclusion and self-belief.

Sagun’s story is one of resilience and hope. Despite poverty, neglect, and the absence of a stable family structure, she continues to attend school and the learning center regularly. The intervention has not only strengthened her educational journey but also fostered positive behavioral change. With continued support, Sagun now has a stronger foundation for a brighter and more secure future.