The journey of 3 girls from adversity to Achievement
In a remote village in Bhopal district, amidst the close-knit Bedia community, three extraordinary girls emerged as symbols of resilience in the face of adversity.
The Bedia community, often marginalized and stigmatized, is known for its intergenerational involvement in the sex trade. Growing up amidst this challenging environment, Niru, Nilu, and Shipra faced daunting odds. But their story was about to change.
Their journey commenced when they became part of the Children Activity Center (CAC) in their village, operated by Samvedna and supported by CRY America. Committed to empowering children in marginalized communities, the CAC provided them with a nurturing environment to learn, grow, and dream beyond their circumstances. With educational support from an early age, these girls remained invested in their studies, bolstered by co-curricular activities that fostered resilience and confidence.
Recognizing the importance of continuing their education, Niru, Nilu, and Shipra were enrolled in a Government middle school in Bhopal and lived in a government hostel. With support from CRY America and Samvedna, including academic assistance and essential provisions, they excelled academically, scoring over 70% in the 8th-grade annual examination.
Their journey reached a pivotal moment when they cleared the rigorous entrance test for Vanasthali University, securing seats at the prestigious institution. Their determination propelled them forward, granting them the opportunity to pursue higher education without interruption.
Niru, Nilu, and Shipra’s remarkable journey transcends personal triumph; it serves as a beacon of hope for their community. Their tale challenges stereotypes, breaks barriers, and exemplifies the transformative power of education.
Girls from the Bedia community in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh are at multiple risks and vulnerabilities as the community is engaged in commercial sex work as the primary source of livelihood. 50% women have never been to school and 95% have dropped out before grade 8. Girls aged 10-15 years are most susceptible to being pushed into the sex trade by their family, thus being denied education. This leads to early pregnancies, physical abuse, malnutrition and other psychological problems.
CRY America’s Project Samvedna has a two-pronged approach – working with the survivors for their rehabilitation and reintegration and prioritizing prevention for the vulnerable members of the community through advocacy and direct intervention. Education, mentoring, and counselling have been taken as primary tools. The key activities are running children’s activity centers, establishing digital learning centers, connecting vulnerable children to open schools, and awareness generation with parents and the community on back-to-school safety campaigns in the villages.
38
drop out children enrolled in open schools
16
students enrolled in hostels at Bhopal
14
children are preparing for police and armed forces jobs
16
children and adolescent group with 279 Members sensitized
279
Life skill module was conducted with 279 adolescent children
312
children enrolled in Child Activity Centers(CAC)
124
children enrolled in Digital Learning Center
● Community members will be sensitized on the issue of education of the children in 8 villages
● Running a DLC centre for 25 children in tie up with NIIT Foundation in one project village
● 12 meeting with the stakeholders in 8 villages on Right to Education
● 30 children will be given admission in Bhopal hostels
● Ensuring School Development Plans are implemented as per plan in 8 villages spread across Bhopal, Vidhisa, Raisen and Rajgarh
● Six Monthly parents-teacher meeting at Bhopal Hostels
● Regular home visits to 1346 households to meet parents and keep them updated about their child’s progress in the CAC.
● 12 Parent-Teacher’s meeting in CAC to share updates regarding child’s performance
● Conduct regular meetings with 8 Children groups & 8 Adolescent girls groups
● Conducting 5 Life skill sessions based on Child centre module
● Periodic meetings between Bedia youth pursuing alternate career options and children who are in CACs and hostels.
● 2 life skill training sessions for Community Workers
2023 Grant Disbursed $33,100
