Manju Kumari, 15 years old, is a committed champion of education and a role model for her younger siblings, motivating them to continue their education. Manju dropped out of school, but with the support of Project Lehar was able catch up on her studies and re-join formal education. She now proudly attends a government school and is currently in Class 8.

Manju struggled in school from the beginning and always fell behind with her homework as she couldn’t understand how to answer the questions. Unable to keep up with her friends, she dropped out of school when she was 12 years old and thought she would never return.

After being out of school for three years, Manju’s friend told her about Project Lehar’s Chilbili centre nearby where scholastic training was being provided along with life skills coaching. Initially her parents were opposed to her attending the centre, thinking that it would be a waste of time like her earlier time at school had been. However, after learning that Manju would be working towards the goal of completing her Class 10 exams, they were more reassured and supported their daughter attending the centre for scholastic training.

Manju explains that when she attended the centre she felt a big difference between her ability to learn in the centre and her earlier time in school, “Before I was not learning and couldn’t understand anything but when I attended the centre the teachers taught us well and encouraged us to ask questions if we didn’t understand something.” Manju’s mother also observed that “earlier, she was unable to learn at school, but when she was at the centre she would come back excited, telling us about what she had learnt and wanting to complete her homework.”

After spending six months at the centre, Manju’s confidence in her newly acquired skills and knowledge grew. Recognising that she now had the tools to succeed throughout her academic career, the teachers helped her re-enroll in a government school, where she joined Class 8. She enjoys learning new concepts and says that “Now when I am given a problem or question I know I can do it. I can see that through a good education I will be able to understand many things and get better job opportunities.”

After realising the long term benefits of education, Manju has taken on the responsibility of tutoring her two younger sisters to prevent them from falling behind in class. She also urges them to be regular in their studies so that they can live better lives, telling them, “Since our parents aren’t educated, we should be educated and accomplish something for them.” Manju’s experience at the centre has enabled her to return to school and develop a love of learning. As a result, she is now working hard to educate herself, and her siblings, so that they can carve out a better future for their family.

NOTE

Project Lehar works to empower and improve the quality of life of out-of-school adolescent girls. Begun by the Aga Khan Foundation India in 2015 with support from the United Nations Population Fund and Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, Project Lehar is being implemented in select urban blocks in Bihar’s capital, Patna.