Kabita Thakur,
Madhya Pradesh
If you ask me about my biggest achievement, I would say it’s my fight to continue my education. I’m studying in Class 12. For many, that might seem ordinary, but for a girl from my village, reaching this level is a victory. I studied in my village school till Class 8. After that, to continue, I had to travel to Rahtgaon- around 8 km away. The road was damaged, but that didn’t matter to me. I was ready to travel daily to continue learning. But the real challenge wasn’t the 8km walk; it was facing the boys who teased and followed me along the way. This made me think whether I should quit studying.
Around that time, I started attending meetings at the Adolescent Resource Center run by Synergy Sansthan and TDH. We often discussed social issues, our rights, and the importance of education. These sessions gave me courage. I realized I couldn’t let fear control my dreams.
One day, I told my father, “I want to learn to ride a bike. This is the only way I could continue my education.” He was surprised, as girls in our village aren’t allowed to ride bikes. Still, I stood firm. Finally, he agreed. Now I go to school on my bike with confidence and freedom. I got this courage and confidence only after joining Kishore Sansadhan Kendra, otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to fulfill my dreams.
(TERRE DES HOMMES works to protect the health, hygiene, education, safety, justice, and dignity of children. Through its initiatives, the organisation has improved the lives of many children. As it marks 50 years of supporting children’s rights in India, the above case story reflects the meaningful change its work has created.)
