Nirmala stepped into the realm of Doddabalapur’s Rojipura 2 Anganwadi, a place marred by neglect and with 3 to 4 children attending the center regularly. Makkala Jagriti’s intervention gave Nirmala more insights into Early Childhood Education and instilled in her the courage and confidence to confront authorities and the community to collaborate for the transformation the center yearned for.

Under MJ’s mentorship, Nirmala’s path became a shining example of remarkable transformation. Through her dedicated participation in MJ’s training sessions, she evolved into a more skilled and capable educator. Her timely collaborations with the Panchayat unlocked the potential for the profound change that the children at Rojipura deserved, solidifying her role as a true agent of change.

Her efforts bore fruits fueling the drastic transformation of the Anganwadi. The place found a new vigor with a creative learning landscape attracting more kids to the center every day. By 2018, the Anganwadi’s attendance soared from a mere 4 to a flourishing 38. Once isolated Anganwadi of Rojipura, now attracted children even from private schools remaining a testament to Nirmala’s indomitable spirit and the profound effect of positive change.

School parliament elections are not news to us. But it took a remarkable twist in the current academic year. Traditionally, teachers would handpick student representatives, but this year witnessed a groundbreaking change. Children themselves engaged in the democratic process by electing ministers through a formal election, infusing the proceedings with all the elements of a true democracy.

This transformation was made possible by Makkala Jagriti’s intervention in Government schools, aimed at fostering the well-rounded development of students through experiential learning. Their innovative approach revitalized the practice of democratic elections in schools, incorporating modern voting technology. Students from government schools participated by submitting nominations, engaging in campaigns, and utilizing voting apps to replicate the electronic voting systems used in real-world elections.

This initiative empowered the children with a profound understanding of their right to choose and the responsibilities that come with it. Transitioning from being appointed to earning their positions through the electoral process instilled a sense of purpose and a deeper comprehension of their roles and responsibilities. The experience not only made them accountable for their choices but also nurtured a greater appreciation for the democratic values that underpin our society.

School assemblies are languished practices in many of the schools in Karnataka. Those who followed experienced it as a mundane routine that often went unnoticed.

With Makkala Jagriti’s intervention in government schools, assemblies have found their lost lustre for holistic development, not just for students but for teachers too. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to learn, express, and shine. Thus, assemblies have transformed into an exciting arena for creativity and leadership.

From 9:00 to 9:20 every morning, children gather in this dynamic space to showcase their talents and grow. Twice a week, students take the stage, performing songs, speeches, and mono acts, fostering an environment of expression and growth.

This transformation extends beyond students empowering teachers as well. Makkala Jagriti’s Teacher Empowerment Program equips educators with skills to guide and inspire children effectively.

The impact this practice has brought in the last year is remarkable. Hesitant individuals have become confident initiators of this daily energy boost. Assemblies are no longer treated as a routine. They are creative venues where ideas flourish and talents shine.

This year, the experience has been fine-tuned, building on the success of the past. It’s a movement towards fostering confidence, creativity, and camaraderie among students. It’s a journey from routine to vibrant, from mundane to fun, making every assembly a source of joyful learning.

Harish belongs to a poor family in Tamil Nadu and his life took an unexpected turn during a trip he took to Banglore. He was rescued by the Child Protection Force and was fostered at the Child Care Institution (CCI), Bangalore. Despite tracking down his family couldn’t ensure his release, since his parents couldn’t take him back with them due to the financial crisis they were undergoing.

The walls of CCI Home became his refuge from here after. Life had another blow set for him and he lost both of his parents during his stay at CCI. Yet within this storm, his spirit remained unbroken. A seed of talent stayed dormant within him waiting for the right moment. He resorted to the path of educating himself to pull himself out of the darkness. With his hard work and determination, he managed to skip grades and complete his 10th standard successfully and later he completed a diploma in Engineering. His story, however, was not just one of academics. In the world of sports and Taekwondo, Harish’s prowess shone brilliantly.

Today, Harish stands as a testament to the power of perseverance. A government servant, he serves not only his role but also as an embodiment of hope. His journey continues to ignite the flame of determination in others, proving that even amidst life’s harshest trials, the human spirit can emerge stronger, brighter, and capable of crafting its destiny.

The true visionary behind the inception of Makkala Jagriti’s Learning Center at the Government Childcare institution in Karnataka is an 11-year-old boy named Manoj in 2007. Manoj was outcasted by his own people owing to his association with theft, substance use, and his rogue nature. He was a school dropout at the UKG level, underwent emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at a very young age, and was exploited by a mafia group to steal. The trauma the kid had to undergo remains unfathomable.

Although he was curious to learn, his initial behavioural issues at the learning center at CCI home led to clashes with other children. He struggled to fit into school due to the ill-treatment of teachers towards him and any alternate option felt completely alien to him. After his involvement in criminal activities, he cycled through various institutions. Over time, Makkala Jagriti’s acceptance helped him change, engage, and learn, ultimately leading to personal growth and redefinition of his path.

It’s his suggestion to our founder to establish a learning center at CCI home has given wings to the innovation that is running successfully today. Although he despised being confined at the children’s home he liked the idea of having a learning centre at Balamandira. Manoj’s belief in helping these children aligned with MJ’s mission, leading to collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development. Despite Manoj’s untimely passing, his vision endures in MJ’s work for vulnerable children.

In the heart of Marenahalli Panchayath lies Maralukunte Anganwadi, a quaint space basked in sunlight, but lacking the vibrancy it deserved. With dormant playgrounds, empty racks, and untouched storerooms, it yearned for transformation. Recognizing its untapped potential, our team at Makkala Jagriti intervened, breathing life into the spaces, creating a positive hub of learning. Laughter now fills the classrooms as children engage joyfully with newfound playgrounds and materials.

However, the real challenge was finding a teacher. A facilitator from MJ temporarily took on the role until a helper from another Anganwadi was promoted to the position. Through MJ’s training, she blossomed into a confident teacher, inspiring others with her dedication to learning and growth.

As the teacher flourished, so did the connection with the community, understanding the significance it made in the lives of children. Now it stands proudly as a model center in the region. This transformation reminds us that one person’s dedication can create ripples of change that resonate far and wide. Maralukunte Anganwadi is proof that with love and commitment, anything is possible.

Asfiya Khanam is a young woman from Gopalpuram, who defied societal norms and embarked on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and empowerment. At the age of 17, she was married and started a family, believing that her life was destined to revolve around her role as a wife and mother.

However, life took a significant turn when she stumbled upon the Yuva Jagriti Program by Makkala Jagriti. Little did she know this decision would mark a turning point in her life.

“I had to come out of my chains and be a changemaker” – She said.

Asfiya had a fire in her to learn again, which led her to restart her education after 7 years. The Yuva Cafe was a safe space to express herself and take up responsibilities nurturing the leadership qualities in her. Asfiya works as a facilitator and coordinator at Makkala Jagrit now.

Her journey exemplifies the power of self-belief, resilience, and the profound impact that education and empowerment can have on one’s life. Today she stands as a role model for many women in her community and inspires them to pursue their dreams.