The rural areas of Bihar are home to a poverty-stricken community known as the Musahar. The people from this community have traditionally held a lower rank in the social hierarchy due to their caste and are restricted to extremely low-income livelihoods. Apart from going to school, children typically work alongside their parents in the fields, as rag pickers, or in construction work.

One such boy was young Rajniti Manxhi, whose parents worked in a brick-making factory and were dependent on daily wages. When the pandemic hit, every sector of society was affected in some way, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. But marginalised communities felt this impact the worst. Virtually overnight, daily wages disappeared and work opportunities dried up. This happened with Rajniti’s family as well.

Rajniti in his classroom

As a result, Rajniti’s education was put on hold as the family could not afford a digital device for online classes when schools closed. His parents wanted him to study and create a better future for himself but their household income held them back. That’s when Rajniti heard of the VidyaGanga program from eVidyaloka. Made possible with the help of a digital school partner, an NGO called BJUP, Rajniti and many other children like him were able to continue with formal education through facilitated learning at an educational centre.

Enabling the children to exercise their right to education, the partner NGO also catered to their basic needs of food and water. As attendance grew and so did the enthusiasm of the children, parents and the local community began taking keen interest in their children’s education.

Today, Rajniti is in 7th grade and lives with his grandmother. His parents had to migrate in search of job opportunities but left Rajniti behind to continue with his studies. They understand the value of education and the promising future it can give to their son.

At eVidyaloka, our aim is to empower more children like Rajniti by establishing many such digital schools across rural parts of the country so that, come what may, the learning never stops.

To support the education of more children like Rajniti, click here to donate: https://www.evidyaloka.org/sponsor

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