Asfiya’s Journey: Choosing Independence
As the eldest of three siblings, Asfiya stepped into responsibility early—agreeing to marriage and motherhood to support her family. When her father suffered a brain haemorrhage, harsh judgments around her deepened the burden. Seeking financial independence, she walked into Yuva Café with determination. Returning to learning was not easy, but encouragement helped her continue. Asfiya […]
Finding His Rhythm in Learning
After losing his father, Mahesh grew up without consistent family support and was placed in a Government Boys’ Home. Though he attended school, learning felt overwhelming. He grew withdrawn, avoided activities, and often stayed on the margins, watching rather than participating. What made a difference was being noticed. Caregivers recognised Mahesh’s interest in music and […]
Creating Space for Healing and Growth
When Srikanth Biradar joined the Observation Home in Vijayapura as a counsellor, he saw children with untapped potential rather than a system to manage. He focused on creating safety first — emotionally and physically — before learning could begin. With consistent guidance and a child-centric approach, classrooms became more active, routines more engaging, and children […]
Choosing Education, Even When Life Breaks
Basamma lost her childhood early. After her father left and her home became unsafe, she and her younger brother entered a Child Care Institution in 2021. It was frightening — but it was also where she began to find her voice. Through life skills sessions, creative spaces, and opportunities to reflect, Basamma discovered confidence she […]
Learning to Unlearn
“Go back. Sit down. Keep quiet.”For years, this is how Shanthala began her class. After eight years as an Anganwadi teacher, it felt familiar — even necessary. That changed when she began reflecting on how young children actually learn. She started speaking more gently, inviting children to sit in a circle where she could see […]
Building Strong Foundations, Even in the Hardest Places
As a Supervisor in H D Kote Taluk, Mysore, Rajitha N works in remote villages where reaching an Anganwadi itself can mean travelling without network or basic access. For her, the effort is purposeful — she believes every child deserves a strong foundation. Parents often share that when Anganwadis are strengthened, children move through school […]
When a Mother Becomes Part of the Learning Journey
Manjula believed that loving her son Arya meant never saying no. When he shouted or threw things, she stayed silent, unsure how to respond. She watched his early years pass without seeing herself as part of his learning.That changed when she began spending time at the preschool. Observing how children learned through play, structure, and […]
From Access to Agency
Growing up, Rubiya’s father’s physical disability and her parents’ limited access to education shaped daily life, but never her desire to learn. She went on to become the first girl from her village to attend college. Early exposure to learning spaces beyond her school — computers, books, libraries, and activity-based learning — changed how Rubiya […]
Finding Her Way Back to School
When Sakshi’s family moved villages, she stopped going to school. Her parents kept her at home to care for a younger sibling, and as days passed, Sakshi grew afraid to return — worried she had forgotten what she once knew. What helped was conversation, not pressure. Through home visits and dialogue with teachers, her parents […]
When Trust Changed the Story
By the time Kalingappa reached Grade 8, he was known more for disruption than potential. Once curious and capable, repeated criticism slowly pushed him away from learning — until he began to believe those labels himself. Everything shifted during the School Parliament elections, when his peers voted for him in large numbers. Instead of revisiting […]