The outskirts of Bherda village
of Rajkot district's Vakaner block had a permanent settlement of around 15
Saraniyaa families. There were 28 children between the school-going ages when
VSSM first got in-touch with them. These children were unable to access school
because of lack of documents, school principal's perception and parents nomadic
living. VSSM initiated a bridge school in the settlement yet the issue of
children not receiving continuous education persisted because of parents
migrations. The children had to accompany the parents, as there was nobody to
take care of them back home.
VSSM and parents tried working
out an effective solution to this issue. After a series of consultations it was
agreed children will stay back in the settlement as parents migrate, an elderly
couple will remain to take care of the children, parents will contribute for
one meal, VSSM will support another and mid-day-meal will suffice as lunch.
With the solution in hand, the
Principal was approached for enrolling the children once they are were adjusted
to school environment through the Bridge Schools. Inspite of our requests the
Principal refused admission citing same old reasons. It took us six months to convince him but now
his perception for these kids have changed completely. He finds them to be the
well-behaved and intelligent children compered to others in school.
