Indapur, a region where agriculture forms the backbone of livelihoods, is home to numerous families striving to provide a better future for their children. Despite their aspirations, limited access to quality education, financial constraints and lack of resources create challenging barriers to learning. Schools function with minimal infrastructure, and many children face difficulties in grasping foundational concepts due to absence of remedial support. In this setting, education often takes a backseat as survival remains the primary concern for many families. However, amidst these challenges, stories of resilience and transformation emerge, one of which is that of Sweety Fadtare.
A Childhood of Struggles and Aspirations
Sweety was born into a family where resources were scarce, yet the value of education was never underestimated. Her parents, though having received little formal education themselves, firmly believed in the power of learning as a tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. Despite financial hardships, they envisioned a brighter future for Sweety, one where she would rise beyond their circumstances. However, like many other children in Indapur, Sweety faced immense struggles in her learning journey.
From an early age, her enthusiasm for learning was evident. She was curious, eager to explore, and full of dreams. However, her academic performance did not align with her potential. Her struggles with reading and writing, particularly in Marathi and English, as well as basic mathematical concepts, became increasingly apparent. This gap in foundational learning posed a significant obstacle, threatening to hinder her educational aspirations.
A Turning Point
Recognizing the urgent need for support, Sweety’s school teachers sought assistance from CYDA an organization committed to bridging learning gaps for underprivileged children. This initiative was supported by Praj Foundation.
Identifying the Learning Gaps
In August 2022, through CYDA, Sweety underwent a baseline assessment designed to measure students’ proficiency in core subjects. Her results painted a clear picture of her struggles—While her enthusiasm was unwavering, her inability to grasp fundamental concepts hindered her overall academic progress.
Pre-Test Observations:
- Marathi: Sweety struggled with basic Marathi reading and writing skills, scoring just 2 out of 10. This indicated a need for focused attention on reading simple words and enhancing her vocabulary.
- English: In English, Sweety’s score was 3 out of 10. She faced challenges in reading simple and joint words, as well as identifying basic English letters.
- Mathematics: Sweety’s math skills, particularly in two-digit addition and subtraction, were also underdeveloped. She scored only 2 out of 10, pointing to gaps in fundamental arithmetic concepts.
- Overall Performance: Her overall score of 16/30 reflected the gaps in her foundational skills, particularly in language and math, which were key areas for improvement.
Based on the pre-test results, a structured learning activities was designed and introduced to strengthen foundational skills through interactive and engaging methods at school. For the next ten months, Sweety became an active participant in CYDA’s learning programs. She engaged in interactive games, melodious songs and captivating stories—methods that made learning not just effective but enjoyable. The structured interventions ensured that children like Sweety received the attention and support necessary to build confidence in their abilities.
Post-Test Observations:
- Marathi: Sweety’s score in Marathi increased to 5 out of 10, showing significant improvement in her ability to read and write simple words. She was able to identify words more confidently and express herself in writing.
- English: In English, her score improved to 5 out of 10, reflecting enhanced proficiency in reading joint words, recognizing English letters, and building her vocabulary. She showed marked progress in understanding basic language concepts.
- Mathematics: Sweety’s math score rose to 5 out of 10. Her ability to solve two-digit addition and subtraction problems had improved, demonstrating a clearer understanding of fundamental arithmetic concepts.
- Overall Performance: Her total score of 30/30 in the post-test represented a complete turnaround, showcasing the tremendous growth she made in her academic journey.
Impact of Interventions
The intervention from CYDA had a profound impact on Sweety’s academic development. The key factors contributing to this transformation include:
- Targeted Focus on Foundational Skills: Sweety’s participation in CYDA’s activities specifically addressed her gaps in reading, writing, and math. The interactive learning methods used, such as games and songs, helped her engage actively with the content, making learning enjoyable and effective.
- Personalized Attention: The one-on-one support during the summer classes allowed for a more personalized approach, ensuring that Sweety received the specific attention she needed to overcome her challenges in language and math.
- Consistent Parental Involvement: Sweety’s parents, with the guidance of CYDA, actively supported her learning journey, creating a positive home environment that reinforced the lessons learnt in the classroom.
- Emotional Support and Encouragement: Throughout her journey, Sweety received encouragement not only from her family but also from her teachers, helping to build her self-confidence and resilience.
Overcoming Challenges and Achievements
With unwavering determination and the right support system, Sweety’s academic progress enhanced. By the time of the post-assessment, the transformation was nothing short of remarkable. Sweety’s scores skyrocketed to a perfect 30 out of 30. Her once-weak areas—Marathi writing, English letter recognition, and arithmetic—had now become her strengths. She confidently tackled two-digit addition and subtraction problems, read and identified words fluently and wrote with clarity.
Her achievements were not merely numbers on a report—they symbolized resilience, effort, and the belief that with the right opportunities, every child can succeed. Sweety’s journey became a beacon of hope for other children in Indapur facing similar challenges.
The Larger Impact and The Road Ahead
Sweety’s success highlights the profound impact of dedicated interventions and community support. However, her story also underscores the need for a broader systemic change. While CYDA’s efforts have led to significant improvements in individual cases, many children in Indapur still struggle with similar learning gaps. Ensuring consistent remedial support, access to quality teaching methods, and parental involvement remain crucial in transforming the educational landscape of the region.
Going forward, CYDA aims to expand its initiatives, reaching more children and equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive academically. Teachers, parents, and communities must collaborate to create a supportive learning environment where no child is left behind.
Heartfelt thanks to Praj Foundation for their generous support in strengthening the Bridging the Learning Gaps initiative in Indapur. Your commitment to community development is truly inspiring and deeply appreciated!
By Rohit Salunkhe (The author is Program Coordinator at CYDA)
