In the heart of Bihar’s Nawada district, a young girl’s unwavering determination is rewriting the narrative of adversity. Arti Kumari, the 18-year-old daughter of Manju Devi and Chamatu Manjhi, has spent her life migrating from one brickfield to another with her family. Like countless other children of migrant labourers, her education seemed like an unattainable dream, overshadowed by the harsh realities of survival. But Arti was destined to defy the odds.
The Beginning of Hope
A few years ago, Arti’s family migrated to Metro Brickfield in Akra, West Bengal. During a routine survey, our teachers identified her as a bright and eager learner. Recognising her potential, they enrolled her in the Model Centre at Akra, where she not only caught up with her studies but also exhibited remarkable leadership qualities. Her dedication and passion earned her a place in the Child Parliament, where she became a voice for many children like herself.
Despite her enthusiasm, the cycle of migration threatened to disrupt her education. Understanding the urgency, our teachers worked tirelessly to convince her parents to mainstream her into formal education. With their perseverance and the cooperation of our team in Nawada, Arti was enrolled in Ramdhan Mulko Project Girls High School in Keshavchak village of Pakribarawan block of Nawada district in July 2024.
Battling the Odds
Education, however, was not the only battle Arti had to fight. In November 2024, her family once again migrated back to Metro Brickfield in Akra. Determined not to let this derail her progress, our teachers continued to support her studies, providing remedial classes to cope up with her Class X syllabus.
As her Class X Board Examination approached, Arti faced a crucial moment in her journey. In February, she returned to her native village to appear for the exam, determined to prove that her struggles would not define her future.
Tears of Joy and a Dream to Chase
When the results were declared at the end of March, Arti’s relatives shared the news—she had passed! The moment was overwhelming. Her mother, who had always worried about balancing education with survival, broke into tears of joy. Arti herself stood in disbelief, realising that she had taken a significant step toward a future she had once only dreamed of.
But the journey is far from over. Arti dreams of continuing her education at least up to college level. However, financial constraints loom large over her aspirations. Yet, she refuses to let despair take over. With faith in the Almighty, she prays for a path forward, hoping for opportunities that will allow her to break free from the cycle of poverty and migration.
A Beacon of Hope
Arti’s story is more than just a tale of academic success — it is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the impact of timely intervention. She represents countless children who, with the right support and encouragement, can overcome adversity and carve a brighter future.
Her journey inspires us to continue our mission, to stand by every child like Arti, and to ensure that education remains a right, not a privilege.
Let us come together to support Arti and many more like her, so that their dreams don’t fade into the dust of the brickfields, but rise high like the unyielding spirit they carry within.
Because education is not just about learning; it is about breaking barriers and building dreams.
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