Brickfields to Classrooms and Beyond: A week of Intervention in Nawada, Bihar

Every child who returns from a brickfield deserves a seat back in a classroom. Guided by this belief, the Source Area Intervention team of the Brickfield School (BFS) Project – comprising of the Project Coordinator, Field Supervisor and two Lead Teachers – undertook a week-long field visit to Nawada from 8th to 14th July 2026, working village by village to reintegrate BFS-returned children into formal education.

Across villages including Eknar, Shantinagar, Steelnagar, Paharpur, Barma, Bhalua, Gangta, Panchgawan, Penchheka, Tetaria, Bhagwanpur, and Krishnanagar, the team met Head Teachers, verified BFS return-children lists, and coordinated with the District Education Office and Additional Project Officer to secure permissions. Over the course of the week, more than 360 children were mainstreamed into ICDS centres, primary schools, and upper primary schools across these locations, with Head Teachers and school authorities extending strong support throughout.

The team also carried awareness beyond the classroom, conducting sessions on child rights, education, health, hygiene, and safe migration at KGBV and NSCB residential homes in Rajauli, Kaowakole, Warsaliganj, and Nawada blocks, reaching over 500 children and distributing hygiene kits at each location. Among those met were BFS-mainstreamed girls now settled into KGBV life.

In parallel, the team laid groundwork for longer-term community support – securing Panchayat permission to renovate a community centre in Dhirajnagar, launching tailoring classes in Krishnanagar, and interviewing candidates for a new Source Area Supervisor role to sustain this work.

Through sustained coordination with schools, panchayats, and government departments, the BFS Project continues to ensure that children who return from brickfields find not just a school seat, but a path back to childhood.

"Every child returned, a future restored."

 

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