Lala Kaka from the Chakrigat settlement took a farsighted and important decision with regard to the children’s education.
Due to a life of migration, there was no continuity in the children’s education. Migrating to different places every year did not allow the children to gain stability in school and studies. Keeping this in mind, Lala Kaka decided to stay at one place in Champa so that the children’s education could continue regularly and they could become part of the mainstream.
About three to four kilometers away from Champa village, Lala Kaka settled the beda. At this place, both of us fellows Navnita and I regularly visit to teach the children. Here, we had to begin a new educational journey. Conducting daily classes, implementing new activities for the children, and developing their interest in learning became possible at this location.
Compared to the Chakrigat settlement, the children in Champa appear more focused and actively involved in learning. The main reason behind this is that they have been kept here specifically for education. As a result, a sense is developing in their minds that “we are staying here for education, so we must study.”
While staying at the Chakrigat settlement, conducting classes for the children was a major challenge for us. Many times, the children would not attend the classes or would be occupied with household work. In such situations, maintaining continuity in education was difficult. However, the situation in Champa is completely different.
As soon as we reach the settlement, the children gather at one place, complete their work quickly, and participate in the classes on time. This discipline and enthusiasm reflect a positive change in the children’s education. A noticeable improvement can also be seen in their learning levels.
In this process, the active involvement of parents is also evident. Lala Kaka gives homework to the children at night, especially asking them to solve mathematics problems, and checks their work the next day. Due to these joint efforts of parents and teachers, continuity, confidence, and discipline are being developed in the children’s education.
This educational journey that began in Champa is not limited only to the children’s education but is also shaping a new direction for their future. This new beginning is hopeful, and it gives confidence that more positive changes will take place in the coming time.