#educationdonationindia

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Nursing an Opportunity From Despair to Success

In the slums of Yellamabanda, where opportunities can be scarce, 22-year-old  Poojita’s story shines brightly. She grew up in a household where financial struggles were a constant, sharing her life with two younger sisters, a brother, and her parents. Her father worked as a barber, while her mother, battling health issues, earned a modest income as a maid. Despite the family’s constant financial struggles, Poojita was an energetic, bright, and optimistic child, always eager to learn and make the most of what she had. Poojita attended a government school from Class 1 to 8, excelling academically. Her school was a place where she not only thrived in her studies but also found her voice in a Plan India-supported Child Council. The Council empowers children to have their voices heard on important issues like education, gender-based violence, child marriage, and gender discrimination. Through Plan India’s support, Poojita learned life-changing skills, and she was determined to share these lessons with her family and peers. However, as she grew older, financial pressures mounted, and Poojita was forced to drop out of Class 8. Her family’s situation left no room for education, and Poojita stepped into the role of caregiver, taking on household chores and caring for her ailing mother. Though her dreams of further education seemed crushed, Plan India didn’t give up on her. Our volunteers visited her home several times, speaking to her family about the importance of continuing her education. Yet, the harsh reality of poverty made it difficult for her parents to see a future beyond immediate survival. So, Poojita had to take up a job help support her family. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, everything changed. Poojita lost her job, and the family’s situation worsened. But in the midst of this crisis, Plan India stepped in once again. They provided her with a digital tablet loaded with educational content, an education kit, and financial support, enabling her to resume her studies. Poojita seized this opportunity, and despite the hardships, she completed her Class 10 exams. With continued financial support from Plan India, she enrolled in the Biology, Physics, and Chemistry stream for higher secondary education. Her determination and the support she received allowed her to not only succeed academically but also to pursue and complete a two-year Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) course. Today, she works in a private hospital and is able to support her family. Her journey from a struggling child to a strong, independent woman, who is a breadwinner for her family, is proof that education and opportunity can empower even the most marginalized.

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Arvind and team’s responsiveness saved many lives

Arvind and his friends from the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) had a huge task at hand when they heard from the government officials that the embankment near their village – Pakri, had broken. Pakri is a nondescript village in Muzaffarpur district in Bihar where agriculture is the main source of livelihood.

“As soon as we heard from the officials, we quickly took out our motorbikes and started alerting nearby villages. The district administration had sounded off the flood alarm, but villagers were still not ready to leave their homes,” said Arvind.

On August 14 2017, the embankment near Pakri village broke; waters gushed into the village and within no time devastated the whole area. A part of the primary school caved in, creating panic among teachers and students. They had to be evacuated within minutes…

Speaking about his engagement as a YAP member, Arvind shares, “Attending the trainings and meetings helped us in evacuating people and save lives. We guided them to higher grounds and quickly sealed off the primary school as people have a tendency to take refuge in permanent structures.”

“Cattle is not just livelihood for us, they are treated as part of the family. While we were evacuating people, they insisted on getting their cattle, which was a huge challenge for us,” shares Seema, another youth mobiliser from Pakri.

“We are also working with the ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) and Anganwadi Helpers to spread awareness about trafficking. Young girls and women are most vulnerable during crises situations. With the help of ANM did is (as they are fondly called), we are spreading awareness and are playing an active role in sensitising our village elders,” she added.

Youth Advisory Panel is a group of selected youths from the project areas of Plan India in Bihar. They play a huge role in planning and implementing programmes apart from regular monitoring. The YAP members are trained and capacitated and act as empowered youths who work towards the benefit of their community. In Pakri village, the YAP consists of 16 youths, amongst which, there are 5 girls.

Passing through the flood ravaged villages; one can feel the pain, and sufferings that the community is enduring. While waters will recede with time, the overcast sky worries the people, they cannot afford another day of rain – they have lost enough! They are eagerly waiting to get back to their houses, inspect what remains, what’s gone.

When the dust settles, they would need to think about livelihoods, rebuild houses….a long road to recovery.

Written by Debanjana Choudhuri, Manager, Marketing and Communications

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Plan India Sonia Youth Leadership Academy Ambassador and a changemaker from India

Meet Sonia, a 20 year-old Youth Leadership Academy Ambassador and a changemaker from India who is passionate about empowering communities and driving meaningful impact. From supporting marginalized women by addressing their challenges to promoting safe internet practices through cyber security workshops, Sonia has consistently taken action to uplift others. Her commitment to environmental conservation is evident through her participation in cleanliness drives, including raising awareness at Lodhi Garden in New Delhi, and initiating campaigns during her school days to emphasize the importance of a clean and healthy environment. Sonia’s journey reflects her belief in the power of community engagement to create a better, more inclusive world.

Read more: https://www.planindia.org

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Plan India - Muskan Youth Leadership Academy Ambassador from India

Meet Muskan, an 18-year-old Youth Leadership Academy Ambassador from India. Muskan’s journey began in martial arts, which sparked her passion for social work and leadership. As a group leader for a menstrual campaign organized by Plan India, she’s advocating for important social issues. Her focus on education and environmental studies drives her to promote awareness and inspire others to take action to protect the planet. Muskan is determined to lead by example and encourage her peers to make a positive impact on gender equality and climate action. Watch more of Muskan’s inspiring journey as she works toward a brighter, more sustainable future!