"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela.
I am Mangli Bai from Amarpura, Udaipur. I always wanted to #study, but was not fortunate enough to pursue my #dream as I got married at an early age. Having faced many hardships at a tender age, I often thought about how I would not want any child to go through what I had been through, especially girls. I always believed that #education is vital in ending the cycle of #poverty. With this thought, I decided to bring a change in my village and joined Unnati Sansthan in 2008. During the time, most of the people in my area were #illiterate and had never received any formal education.
In the initial years, it was very difficult for me to convince parents to get their children enrolled in schools. However, with my dedication and years of hard work, I was able to convince them. Organising rallies to protest against child labour, going door-to-door to explain the importance of education, and getting my kids enrolled in a local school to set an example were some of the initiatives I took to make sure that children receive a formal education in my community.
Over the years with my consistent efforts, the student admission rose many folds, from 60 to 450 in numbers. To ensure that kids receive higher education, I was also instrumental in helping the village panchayat to get the accreditation for schools to operate till 12 standard, instead of 8th standard. A lot has changed since I first raised my voice for right to education. I am now invited as a guest speaker to schools and community-level events to share my insights.
Since 2016, I have also been actively involved in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, to promote safe #sanitation. As an outcome of my efforts, I was able to create #toilet facility for over 400 households, benefitting 1600 people. My journey has enabled me to carve my identity in the society as a change-maker and I believe that small consistent efforts can bring massive changes.
“I am Mangli Bai. It’s my identity…This is my story!”…#EkNaam
Navya #NewBeginnings #IWD2022
In association with Csrbox Alliance Française de Delhi #study #dream #education #poverty #illiterate #sanitation #toilet #EkNaam #NewBeginnings #IWD2022
Posted On: 18 Jan 2022 11:00 AM
