Making a Difference
“Those who educate children well are more to be honoured than they who produce them, for these only gave them life, those the art of living well” Aristotle was wise to recognise the importance of both education and educators.
It is dreadful to witness the dearth of poverty each day on the streets and the contrasts of life in slums and comfortable homes. On a cold winter night, it’s harder to enjoy luxuries such as a warm blanket and warm food , knowing that in a parallel universe some children are huddled together scraping for warmth.
I read inspiring stories of children who work to defy all odds against them and take any chance they get to turn their life around. One such inspiring story that I had the honour of witnessing was of Garima. Her father was a coconut vendor and she helped his father in his stall. She had a passion for learning. Whenever I used to finish my evening walk , I would often buy a coconut from her stall. I used to ask her constantly about her education in school and she expressed that she was facing some difficulties. I became invested because I knew that she was a bright girl. I came back the following day with some reading material. Garima instantly thanked me and taught herself everything she needed to know to keep up with
school. A few months later , I went to buy a coconut but Garima was missing. That’s when her father informed me that she had scored 96% in her board exams and was offered scholarship to enroll in Delhi University. I was astonished and what stuck me the most, was how a small opportunity , a small chance altered Garima’s life. It’s true that everyone is the master of their own destiny but its a matter of giving a chance to those who weren’t privileged by birth and circumstances so they could at least have an opportunity to build the life that they want for themselves.
Pehchaan The Street School is intensively working for the same goal. It is giving a chance to hustle and work to those who are indebted under vicious cycles of poverty. It’s dedicated efforts to empower children is awe-inspiring. It is a privilege to work with Pehchaan The Street School and to make a difference.
- By : Manvi Jindal