“I used to gather rubbish with my household. I didn’t suppose I’d ever go to highschool, and now, I dream to change into an IAS officer,” says Aavula Deva Kumari, a 14-year-old pupil.
At a site visitors sign in Kukatpally, Hyderabad, a younger lady 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 had been as soon as destined for the streets are actually studying to learn, write, recite poetry, clear up sums, and most significantly, dream.
That is the story of Chotuu Ki Training (CKE), an organisation working to enhance the lives of kids dwelling on the streets by giving them a chance to study and develop by schooling.
Girls who made schooling a actuality for these youngsters
In 2016, Yuvaneshwari Kanagasabapathy, affectionately generally known as 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 schooling.
“I began by educating science to a handful of kids in an NGO,” she tells The Higher India. “Slowly, I took on extra tasks and realised how schooling may bridge social inequalities.”
When Yuva settled in Hyderabad, she encountered kids begging on avenue corners and indicators. 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 seek out her sense of function. She got here from a household of docs 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 boundaries confronted by kids from deprived backgrounds.
Regardless of this connection, she felt uncertain about how she may make a distinction, particularly when it got here to working with kids.
“My household’s dedication to serving to others motivated me drastically, 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 schooling programme for these kids?”
“We weren’t even associates then,” Madhavi laughs. “However I mentioned sure instantly. Our hearts had been aligned earlier than we even spoke.”
No school rooms, only a handful of kids and tutors: The lessons went on regardless of rain or solar
And so, in 2016, on a dusty avenue nook in Hyderabad, Chotuu Ki Training got here to life. It was not an official group initially, simply two ladies working arduous to assist a group. 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 study and develop.
With only a handful of kids 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 may educate 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 happened wherever area was out there, together with dusty footpaths, beneath rickety makeshift shelters, and wherever they might discover a second of calm. Slowly, phrase started to unfold in regards to 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 remembers. “Mother and father 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, regardless of the climate, rain or shine, we tried to point out up each weekend and satisfied the group by our dedication.”
Little by little, the youngsters began trying 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 secure, the place kindness greeted them, and the place they might 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 development got here new challenges. Most 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 simple, and too usually, they dropped out another time. It was a reminder that the trail to schooling is not only about getting by 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 previous. 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 group 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 by 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. An increasing number of dad and mom now need what each mum or dad desires: a greater life for his or her kids. They now not see schooling 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 transformation, 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 teachers 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 offers them the area to open up. A variety of kids come from tough 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 skill, so every little one can study at a tempo that fits them. The curriculum follows the Telangana State Board, protecting core topics like Telugu, Hindi, English, Maths, Science, and Social Research. The organisation is attempting to offer an schooling that goes past textbooks and rote studying.
The group 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 unhealthy 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 outdoors the classroom.
Each Saturday, the centres come alive with one thing totally different. The standard college routine is changed with enjoyable actions, as volunteers from company companions step in to steer 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 abilities they by no means knew that they had.
The scholars additionally look ahead to two of essentially the most thrilling occasions of the yr – Annual Day and Sports activities Day. These are moments after 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 fun how far the youngsters have come, they usually additionally get certificates for performing properly. We uncover abilities 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, as an illustration. When she first got here to CKE in 2021, she was only a younger lady 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 can be prioritised.
“My favorite a part of my classroom is my trainer,” she says with a smile. “Her encouragement modified all the pieces for me. I’ve learnt the way to behave in society, the way to consider in myself, and the way to dream of a steady future.” As we speak, she aspires to change into an IAS officer, however what stands out much more is the change in her character. “I’ve change into extra accountable and have learnt to regulate 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 hand over. Coming again generally is a recent begin, and it’s by no means too late. All the pieces is feasible when you strive.”
Nekaram Solanki, now 19, joined Chotuu Ki Training in 2019. He grew up in a household of idol makers from Rajasthan, the place schooling 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 remembers. “From June to November yearly, I’d assist my dad and mom make idols. I used to be not learning in any respect, and faculty didn’t seem 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 study from the very fundamentals, with lecturers who noticed potential in him and supported him each step of the best way.
“I received the prospect 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.
As we speak, Solanki is learning laptop science in junior school, an achievement made potential by the encouragement and assets supplied by the organisation. His eyes are actually set on a future as soon as unimaginable. “I wish to change into 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, “When you be a part of CKE, you’ll obtain all of the assist. You’ll be able to end your schooling, after which consider constructing a steady future.”
CKE’s development 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 places of work to current their science tasks,” Madhavi beams. “It’s so transferring to see them converse confidently in entrance of pros.”
Additionally 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 schooling by 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 potential by love and a spotlight 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. “After 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 consider in themselves. “Many kids arrived with low confidence and a worry of failure. However with persistence, a secure area, and regular encouragement, I watched them slowly bloom,” she provides.
Bhavani brings studying to life by artwork, tasks, and ‘No Bag Days’, the place college students discover nature and creativity outdoors the classroom. No Bag Day is a big day when college students depart their college baggage behind to concentrate on 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 clear up issues, suppose critically, and even educate 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’s now hope and pleasure.
The initiative started with two ladies and some kids gathered on a avenue 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 change into, 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 a substitute of going to highschool. We wish to strive serving to as many as we will by the centres,” concludes Madhavi.
Edited by Vidya Gowri; All footage courtesy Chotuu Ki Training (CKE)
