“I used to gather rubbish with my household. I didn’t suppose I might ever go to highschool, and now, I dream to grow to be an IAS officer,” says Aavula Deva Kumari, a 14-year-old scholar.
At a site visitors sign in Kukatpally, Hyderabad, a younger woman holds her hand for change. Close by, a boy sells flowers to passing motorists. For these kids, college is not only a distant dream however an unachievable aspiration.
But, only a few steps away from the site visitors sign, in a small and brightly painted classroom, one thing totally different is happening. Youngsters who have been as soon as destined for the streets at the moment are studying to learn, write, recite poetry, remedy sums, and most significantly, dream.
That is the story of Chotuu Ki Training (CKE), an organisation working to enhance the lives of youngsters dwelling on the streets by giving them a chance to be taught and develop via training.
Girls who made training a actuality for these youngsters
In 2016, Yuvaneshwari Kanagasabapathy, affectionately often called Yuva, had simply moved to Hyderabad for her job in pharmaceutical analysis. But her thoughts was by no means removed from social causes. Throughout her postgraduate research in Chennai, she had volunteered extensively at orphanages and shelter properties, mentoring kids who had little entry to high quality training.
“I began by educating science to a handful of youngsters in an NGO,” she tells The Higher India. “Slowly, I took on extra duties and realised how training might bridge social inequalities.”
When Yuva settled in Hyderabad, she encountered kids begging on road corners and alerts. Whereas many walked previous, she sought out NGOs that labored with such communities. To her shock, she discovered only a few targeted on educating the youngsters of beggars on this space.
In the meantime, Ramana Madhavi Sankara, initially from Guntur and at present working at Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, was on a private journey to search out her sense of function. She got here from a household of medical doctors who had lengthy been organising free medical camps for underprivileged communities. Rising up, she usually visited underprivileged colleges in Guntur, witnessing firsthand the struggles and obstacles confronted by kids from deprived backgrounds.
Regardless of this connection, she felt not sure about how she might make a distinction, particularly when it got here to working with kids.
“My household’s dedication to serving to others motivated me enormously, however I didn’t fairly know the place to start,” she displays thoughtfully.
Their paths crossed serendipitously at a Girls’s Day occasion at their office. Listening to of Madhavi’s curiosity, Yuva launched herself and proposed an thought, “What if we began an training programme for these kids?”
“We weren’t even associates then,” Madhavi laughs. “However I stated sure instantly. Our hearts have been aligned earlier than we even spoke.”
No school rooms, only a handful of youngsters and tutors: The lessons went on regardless of rain or solar
And so, in 2016, on a dusty road nook in Hyderabad, Chotuu Ki Training got here to life. It was not an official group initially, simply two girls working onerous to assist a neighborhood. They began holding lessons on weekends for youngsters who had both dropped out of college due to private conditions or had by no means even been inside a classroom. With immense hope and dedication, they started their journey to assist these kids be taught and develop.
With only a handful of youngsters from native slums, the duo kick-started CKE. Most of those kids spent their days begging, accumulating scraps, or serving to their households earn a meagre earnings.
“We knocked on doorways in KPHB, asking dad and mom if we might train their kids for 2 hours on weekends,” Yuva explains. “The dad and mom agreed, however solely on one situation, that we didn’t intrude with the youngsters’s begging hours. So, we began holding lessons very early, at 7:30 within the morning, earlier than the youngsters headed out for begging, which was after 10 am.”
Missing a proper area, classes came about wherever area was accessible, together with dusty footpaths, beneath rickety makeshift shelters, and wherever they may discover a second of calm. Slowly, phrase started to unfold concerning the initiative. Curious passers-by stopped to look at, touched by what they noticed, some stepped ahead to volunteer and assist.
“Incomes their belief was the toughest half,” Madhavi recollects. “Dad and mom feared we’d disappear after a short time, leaving their kids behind as soon as once more. However we by no means missed a single weekend, irrespective of the climate, rain or shine, we tried to point out up each weekend and satisfied the neighborhood via our dedication.”
Little by little, the youngsters began wanting ahead to those weekend lessons. They didn’t simply present up for the teachings; they got here as a result of it was a spot the place they felt protected, the place kindness greeted them, and the place they may very well be themselves and work together with different kids.
From a weekend initiative to an NGO
By 2019, it was time for Chotuu Ki Training to undertake a extra structured strategy. The founders determined to formalise the initiative that had begun as a small weekend effort into an NGO, and new studying centres started opening in Jeedimetla, Bollaram, Miyapur, and Nizampet through the years, reaching much more kids desperately in want of assist.
However with progress got here new challenges. Lots of the kids who, after finishing the bridging lessons, enrolled in authorities colleges discovered themselves struggling as soon as once more. The leap was too harsh as adjusting with different college students was not straightforward, and too usually, they dropped out another time. It was a reminder that the trail to training is not only about getting via the door, it’s about ensuring the youngsters are able to stroll the journey forward.
“That’s once we realised a short-term bridge was not sufficient,” says Yuva. “So we modified our strategy and shifted to full-time studying centres the place kids can stick with us till they flip 16 years outdated. After that, we assist them put together for and enrol within the Class 10 open college exams.”
CKE is now not simply providing additional assist; it has grown into a faculty in its personal proper. It’s a place the place studying is formed round every little one. The staff stays versatile and affected person, understanding that each little one comes with their very own tempo, struggles, and strengths. The founders need every little one to really feel seen and supported via the muse.
Over time, a shift has additionally taken place within the mindset of the dad and mom. Households who as soon as noticed begging or every day labour as the one path for survival have begun to dream larger. Increasingly dad and mom now need what each mother or father needs: a greater life for his or her kids. They now not see training as a luxurious, however as a necessity. They need their kids to review, develop in confidence, and in the future discover sustainable work of their alternative.
To assist this alteration, Chotuu Ki Training now runs 4 full-day studying centres, open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to three pm. Every centre is led by a full-time trainer who teaches lecturers and in addition builds belief and reference to each little one.
The college day begins with a morning prayer, adopted by ‘me time’, which is a reflective session the place kids are inspired to talk freely about their ideas and emotions.
“This provides them the area to open up. Loads of kids come from troublesome backgrounds, and so, we wish them to know they’re in a spot the place they matter, the place they’re seen and heard,” Madhavi explains.
A brand new blueprint for studying appropriate for each little one
Youngsters will not be grouped by age however by capability, so every little one can be taught at a tempo that fits them. The curriculum follows the Telangana State Board, overlaying core topics like Telugu, Hindi, English, Maths, Science, and Social Research. The organisation is attempting to offer an training that goes past textbooks and rote studying.
The staff focuses on life abilities and ethical values that form kids into considerate and dynamic people. They find out about private hygiene, gender sensitivity, and the distinction between good contact and dangerous contact.
They’re inspired to speak with respect, assist each other, and develop with empathy. The lecturers work patiently and deliberately to create an surroundings the place each little one is able to tackle the world, each inside and out of doors the classroom.
Each Saturday, the centres come alive with one thing totally different. The same old college routine is changed with enjoyable actions, as volunteers from company companions step in to guide particular periods.
Youngsters discover new abilities, from English communication and primary computing to chess, dance, and portray. They love the artwork periods as they discover waste and recycled supplies to point out their creativity and resourcefulness. These periods not solely break the monotony of the week but in addition give them an opportunity to find skills they by no means knew they’d.
The scholars additionally stay up for two of essentially the most thrilling occasions of the 12 months – Annual Day and Sports activities Day. These are moments once they step into the highlight, performing performs, dances, and speeches in entrance of their friends, lecturers, and households. On Sports activities Day, the playground bursts into life with pleasant competitions in kho kho, soccer, cricket, and different video games that encourage teamwork and spirit.
“The Sports activities Day and Annual Day assist to have a good time how far the youngsters have come, they usually additionally get certificates for performing effectively. We uncover skills and encourage them to observe their ardour together with research,” explains Yuva.
From Streets to School rooms: How CKE Is Serving to Youngsters Rewrite Their Futures
Take Deva Kumari, whom we talked about earlier, for example. When she first got here to CKE in 2021, she was only a younger woman from Perecherla in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. She spent her days accumulating garbage to assist her household survive. She had by no means imagined a unique life for herself, not to mention a classroom the place she could be prioritised.
“My favorite a part of my classroom is my trainer,” she says with a smile. “Her encouragement modified every little thing for me. I’ve learnt learn how to behave in society, learn how to imagine in myself, and learn how to dream of a steady future.” At this time, she aspires to grow to be an IAS officer, however what stands out much more is the change in her persona. “I’ve grow to be extra accountable and have learnt to manage my feelings. I do know who I wish to be,” she provides.
When requested what she would say to different kids who’ve left college, she says, “Don’t quit. Coming again generally is a contemporary begin, and it’s by no means too late. Every part is feasible for those who strive.”
Nekaram Solanki, now 19, joined Chotuu Ki Training in 2019. He grew up in a household of idol makers from Rajasthan, the place training was by no means a part of every day life. For generations, his household had earned a dwelling by crafting Ganesha idols, and he was anticipated to do the identical.
“Earlier than becoming a member of CKE, I used to be simply roaming round,” he recollects. “From June to November yearly, I might assist my dad and mom make idols. I used to be not learning in any respect, and faculty didn’t appear to be one thing meant for me.”
However his world modified when he stepped into CKE. For the primary time, he was given an opportunity to be taught from the very fundamentals, with lecturers who noticed potential in him and supported him each step of the way in which.
“I obtained the likelihood to review, one thing nobody in my household ever had. Now, I’m not simply dreaming for myself. My complete household is dreaming with me,” he provides.
At this time, Solanki is learning pc science in junior faculty, an achievement made doable by the encouragement and assets supplied by the organisation. His eyes at the moment are set on a future as soon as unimaginable. “I wish to grow to be a software program engineer,” he says, with out hesitation.
When requested what message he would give to different kids who’ve dropped out or by no means had the prospect to start out college, he says, “Should you be part of CKE, you’ll obtain all of the assist. You’ll be able to end your training, after which consider constructing a steady future.”
CKE’s progress has been powered by individuals, from self-funded beginnings to wide-reaching partnerships. Firms like Amazon, Apree Well being, Galenicum Well being, Tata AIG, Indian Oil, and Salesforce have supplied funding and in addition ship volunteers to show and mentor college students each week.
“Now, our kids go to company workplaces to current their science tasks,” Madhavi beams. “It’s so shifting to see them converse confidently in entrance of execs.”
In addition they obtain assist from organisations like ConnectFor, Pustakaar, the Marley Basis, and the Skilled Data Basis, which have strengthened curriculum design, trainer coaching, and outreach.
Since its inception, over 196 kids have accomplished their training via CKE. Many have gone on to school, whereas others have found a ardour for sensible abilities and inventive crafts. However past {qualifications} or careers, every of them has gained a way of self-worth.
A change made doable via love and a focus to element
Abhimalla Bhavani, a full-time trainer at CKE, says her journey with kids from marginalised communities has been humbling and rewarding on the similar time. “Once I began in November 2021, I knew I wished to make a distinction, however the kids have given me greater than I ever imagined,” she displays.
Working with college students who had beforehand dropped out of college got here with its challenges, like rebuilding belief, reigniting a love for studying, and serving to them imagine in themselves. “Many kids arrived with low confidence and a worry of failure. However with persistence, a protected area, and regular encouragement, I watched them slowly bloom,” she provides.
Bhavani brings studying to life via artwork, tasks, and ‘No Bag Days’, the place college students discover nature and creativity exterior the classroom. No Bag Day is a big day when college students depart their college luggage behind to deal with artwork, communication abilities, and interesting actions that construct a connection. “These experiences make studying joyful. I’ve seen kids who as soon as struggled now remedy issues, suppose critically, and even train their very own households,” the trainer provides.
Maybe essentially the most spectacular change is not only within the kids, it’s of their households too. The place there was as soon as doubt and hesitation, there may be now hope and satisfaction.
The initiative started with two girls and some kids gathered on a road nook in Hyderabad, and it has grown right into a second likelihood and a spot the place kids are seen for who they’re and what they’ll grow to be, not simply the place they arrive from.
“There are nonetheless kids on the market begging at site visitors lights, working in tea retailers, or taking care of youthful siblings as an alternative of going to highschool. We wish to strive serving to as many as we are able to via the centres,” concludes Madhavi.
Edited by Vidya Gowri; All footage courtesy Chotuu Ki Training (CKE)
