Each notebook is an opportunity to explore, learn and grow
Ramgopalpur Municipality continues to face major challenges in education, with a male literacy rate of 62% and a female literacy rate of only 39%. Children from Dalit and marginalized communities struggle the most due to poverty, lack of skilled teachers, and limited awareness among parents about the importance of education. Social issues such as child marriage, dowry, and migration for labor worsen the situation, while child labor is deeply rooted in the community. Many children are found working on agricultural farms, brick factories, and even in restaurants or transportation services, exposing them to exploitation and keeping them out of school.
In the middle of these challenges is Rachana Kumari, a 9-year-old girl studying in Grade 4 at a community school. She lives in Ramgopalpur with her parents, grandmother, two brothers, and a sister. Her father works as a mason, while her mother manages household responsibilities. Despite their hard work, financial struggles make it difficult for the family to provide educational materials for all children. Rachana and her siblings often had to share the same stationery to complete their homework. At times, she felt embarrassed and left behind when she could not keep up with classmates who had proper books and pens. Still, her parents constantly motivated her to study, reminding her that education was the key to a brighter future.
"Despite financial struggles that once left me without basic school supplies, I regained confidence and hope through ActionAid’s support, which provided me with the tools to continue my education and nurture love for drawing.”
Her situation began to improve when her mother joined a Farmer’s Group formed by ActionAid. Through this, Rachana was introduced to ActionAid’s partner organization, which provided her with much-needed educational supplies—including a school bag, notebooks, pens, pencils, water bottle, tiffin box, and even a geometry set. These resources made a huge difference. For the first time, she could attend school regularly, complete her homework on time, and express her love for reading and drawing without feeling left behind.
With renewed confidence, Rachana now attends school regularly and participates actively in class. She also enjoys extracurricular activities supported by ActionAid’s Child Clubs, where children build leadership through quiz contests, art, drama, and tree plantation. Inspired by these opportunities, Rachana dreams of pursuing her education while nurturing her passion for drawing. Her journey shows how, even in a community where female literacy is as low as 39% and child labor is widely accepted, the right support can help children overcome barriers, stay in school, and work towards their dreams.
