From daily wages to daily lessons: Selim’s path to school
Poverty forced Selim Sheikh* to drop out of school in the 9th standard and start working in agriculture and construction as a daily wage laborer. CRY America nurtures children’s education and confidence through the formation of Children’s Collectives, and it was through them and the Community-Based Organization (CBO) members that the project team in Andhra Pradesh learned about Selim’s situation.
The staff members visited Selim’s home and counseled his parents, highlighting the consequences of child labor and the importance of education. Though Selim’s parents responded positively during the counseling sessions, he continued to work. After the project members involved local community stakeholders, including school teachers and Village Secretariat staff, the family was finally convinced. The stakeholders with support from project staff sensitized them on child rights and assured Selim’s retention in school through government program linkages.
With the support of school teachers, the project members re-enrolled Selim in the 10th standard. Today, he not only attends school regularly and excels academically but also advocates for education within his community.
*Name changed and AI image used for representative purpose only.
The Problem
Children in Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh, often drop out of school and start working due to inadequate preschool education infrastructure. CRY America’s Project PORD works towards children’s retention in education by monitoring Anganwadi Centers (AWCs), forming Children’s Collectives, and reintegrating dropouts.
The Solution
The CRY America project, PORD, works towards monitoring Anganwadi Centers while ensuring the re-enrollment of dropout children. The project also conducts awareness programs and life skills sessions as part of Children’s Collectives. Through the project efforts, thousands of children are actively engaged in these collectives, working to change the course of their own lives as well as those of their peers.
Impact Of The Project
38
Drop out children mainstreamed in schools.
26
Child laborers mainstreamed in schools.
17
Potential child marriages stopped.
806
Children trained in Life Skill modules.
157
Children appeared for their 10th & 12th grade exams.
51
Anganwadi workers trained in early childhood care and education.
1038
Community-Based Organization (CBO) members sensitized on child labor and child marriage.
2025 Plans
- Ensure 880 children aged 3-6 years attending schools.
- Monitor 47 AWCs to ensure their operational needs are met.
- Enroll 30 children in the pre-school program of AWC.
- Mainstream 50 dropout children into formal education.
- Ensure transition of 327 children from 10th grade to intermediate education.
- Remove 30 children from child labor.
- Ensure to prevent 30 child marriages in the community.
- Conduct Life Skills Sessions – Year 3 module for 600 children.
- Form 15 new Children’s Collectives to sensitize them on education and child rights.
- Organize Parent Module Sessions for 400 parents to raise awareness about education.
2025 Total Budget
