Vivek is studying in class 7, age 12, along with his two sisters Sanju aged 10, and Sajni aged 14 at Ghazipur Children’s Centre. They come from a family living in poverty where all three siblings sleep in one bed. They have no cupboards, shelves, gas for cooking, clothes are strewn on the floor of their home and their parents are often idle.
Vivek first came to the attention of the teachers, amongst the 200 students, as he had not been attending school in the last year, although he was one of the brightest students at the Gazipur Centre. Vivek had already missed six months. He had failed to get into primary school from junior school, due to irregular ID papers.
Finally after many trips to the Adhar office, to the MLA in government, the staff at Ghazipur Children’s Centre managed to arrange for his ID papers, and gain school admission for him.
Vivek was always very keen to get into school, always mild mannered and sweet in temperament, soft spoken. When asked, if he was happy in his new school, he looked to the floor, and mumbled a no. He said, the teachers did not attend class, and the school was unruly and disorganised. He was disappointed.
Later that year, the Ghazipur Children’s Centre began their scholarship scheme, for deserving students, and Vivek was number one on the list, along with his younger sister Sanju. As a result they are now both attending a modest private school, 100% better than the state school they were both attending.
There were teething problems. After school started, Vivek was often not showing up at school, he reported he was unhappy, he had no friends in class.
The staff at the Centre were concerned. After a few conversations, they explained that they were paying his school fees and had much high hopes, had spent time on both his admissions. Vivek just looked sad, unhappy and at the floor. Finally it came to light that the father was not dropping Vivek at school. The Children’s Centre arranged to pay for the school bus. This autonomy and sense of responsibility Vivek he had at not depending on his father, turned things around, around the same time, he reported he had made a friend or two, and was happier at school.
Vivek has just scored 95% in almost every subject in his school unit test in July. The school year began in April 2024. The result was amazing and Vivek was pleased! Vivek also received a tablet for his performance in school. Despite being irregular, he scores the highest marks. Despite an unstable home life, all three children are shiningly intelligent, well mannered, speak English and play sports too.
