A little goes a long way
There have been numerous instances where minor efforts have resulted in larger results. We plant trees in gardens, on property, and elsewhere these days in the hope that global warming challenges can be handled in the future. We are wearing masks these days in order to make a stronger effect and to prevent ourselves from becoming COVID victims. The learning process is similar. Who knows how what a person learns today may affect his or her life in the future?
Furthermore, quantifying the size of the impact that learning can have is quite difficult. However, an optimistic outlook supported by energy and excitement frequently keeps individuals going. Yashoda Sahariya, a Kishanganj inhabitant, is 28 years old. Yashoda Sahariya, a determined individual with lofty aspirations, hails from Kishanganj village in the Baran district of Rajasthan. Despite facing various challenges, such as an early marriage at the age of 17 and being afflicted with polio at the age of ten, Yashoda's unwavering spirit remains unbroken. Working as a dedicated teacher at Maavadi since 2010, Yashoda currently receives a monthly salary of INR 8500. Meanwhile, her husband, Mr. Bablu Sahariya, earns a livelihood as a truck driver, earning approximately INR 15,000 per month. Residing in a joint family arrangement alongside her husband, children (Hemant, 12, and Kuldeep, 5), and father-in-law, Yashoda manages her household responsibilities with grace and resilience.
The Remarkable Journey
Yashoda had an instinct that kept her going. Despite being a sufferer of polio, she did not give up. Her early marriage also had an impact on her desire to further her education. After her marriage, she finished her secondary education. Her husband has always been really supportive in this matter. Despite his lack of education, her father-in-law recognises the importance of education and has always supported her to complete her studies. She also enrolled in NIOS (National School of Open Schooling) for 12th grade twice but failed both times. Mathematics has always been her weak point, and she failed to pass it in both attempts.
This had an impact on her confidence, but it wasn't the only thing. . The intervention of Manjari Foundation's Second Change Education programme, funded by Pradan and UN Women, sparked the desire to pursue education. In September, the intervention began. The initiative mobilised women in the area, and numerous women expressed their readiness to participate in the Second Chance Education Programme. She was apprehensive to join Manjari at first, but regular meetings and support from Ms Sadiya Anjum (a development specialist from Manjari Foundation) paved the road for change. Ms Sadiya's counselling had a significant impact on Yashoda, and she eventually enrolled in the programme. She even paid a charge of INR 1700 for it and is now routinely attending sessions at the learning centre
She has currently chosen disciplines such as Hindi, Home Science, Environment Education, Painting, and Economics. Home Science intrigues her, and she is confident that her endeavours will lead to positive change. Her endeavours inspired her husband, and he has also registered in NIOS for 10th grade. Her husband aspires to work for the government in the future. A small amount goes a long way.Isn't that right?
