HT initiative helps enroll 15 Gurgaon slum kids in school | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

HT initiative helps enroll 15 Gurgaon slum kids in school

Hindustan Times | By, Gurgaon
Jul 17, 2013 07:34 AM IST

Rajni, 12, a resident of a slum in Gurgaon Sector 12, is on her way to realise her potential, courtesy the You Read They Learn initiative by the Hindustan Times. She was a part of a group of 15 students from the locality who were enrolled into the government school. HT reports.

Rajni, 12, a resident of a slum in Gurgaon Sector 12, is on her way to realise her potential, courtesy the You Read They Learn initiative by the Hindustan Times.

HT-s-You-Read-They-Learn-volunteers-with-slum-kids-at-Gurgaon-sector-12-HT-photo-Manoj-Kumar
HT-s-You-Read-They-Learn-volunteers-with-slum-kids-at-Gurgaon-sector-12-HT-photo-Manoj-Kumar

The 12-year-old was spotted by the volunteers of ‘You Read They Learn’ (YRTL) at a community tap in the illegal slum cluster.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“I asked the group of children if they were going to school. Some said yes, some said no. It was only her reply that stood out — if given a chance I would go,” said Vikas Nanda, a student of YMCA, Faridabad, a YRTL volunteer.

Rajni took her first ever step towards a school on July 8. She was a part of a group of 15 students from the locality who were enrolled into the government school in Sector 14.

Though she used to attend a tuition class in the slum, Rajni had no formal education. She was made to look after the household once her parents went out daily to earn their wages.

Her mother, Chanda, is a chik-maker and her father Phool Chand works as a labour in the stone-making industry.

“Before going to school, I used to help with household chores. I used to look after my younger sisters and brothers. But now, even they would want to go to school,” said Rajni, who is so fond of her uniform that she wears it all day long.

“I told my teacher I wanted my uniform to be in full white. But she told me that was not available and that I had to go for the blue and white combination. It won’t get dirty easily,” said the enthusiastic girl, now in class five.

The YRTL volunteers had to persuade the school authorities before they admitted the children.

“The teachers there told us that she had crossed the age and rejected her application. On the second day, when we went again they cited excuses such as there was no space for more students and that most parents stop sending their children to school within two to three days. But we convinced the school authorities,” said Vikas Nanda.

Although Rajni has the least clue as to what she wants to become in life, her mother wants her to grow up as a self-sufficient individual.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On