Four Girls Who Chose Hope Again
PSI India is doing remarkable work by ensuring that girls who had almost lost their connection with education are brought back into the school. Their consistent follow-up, counselling, and coordination with educational institutions and families truly make a difference. If we can support them in any way, we are always ready. Together, we can help these children build a brighter future.”
The team escalated the situation to the district office and sought support to obtain the documents require for school admissions. On their next visit, they counselled the mother and encouraged her to enroll the children in a school located in the neighbouring village, explaining how education could change their lives and improve the family’s long-term financial stability. With time and reassurance, the mother agreed. However, Shalu still refused. Determined not to leave her behind, the team visited her home along with Aanchal and spoke gently to her mother. After thoughtful conversations and persistent persuasion, Shalu finally changed her mind and expressed excitement about attending school with her friends.
The Maitri–Vidya team then approached the Composite School in Gauri Bazaar and advocated for the enrolment of all four girls. The teachers appreciated the effort and assured full cooperation, including support for completing the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth admission process. Soon after, the team took all four girls to the school, where they met the teachers, explored the classrooms, and saw the available facilities. Their mothers were also informed about the arrangements for the students. Based on age-appropriate placement, Aanchal and Shalu were enrolled in Class 6, while Payal and Bittu were placed in Class 2. The very next day, the girls returned to school, received their textbooks, and began attending regularly with a renewed sense of hope.
PSI India’s efforts under the Maitri–Vidya project are rooted in the belief that educating girls is one of the most powerful pathways to social and economic transformation. By identifying around 3,500 Out-of-School Girls across two blocks of Deoria district, PSI India is helping bring them back into classrooms. The enrolment of these four girls represents not just a single success story but is part of a larger commitment to ensuring that more Out-of-School Girls reclaim their right to learn, grow, and build a better future for themselves.
Under the Maitri–Vidya project, PSI India works closely with communities to identify Out-of-School Girls and support their return to education. The team’s interaction with the girls and their mother revealed that both Aanchal and Payal wanted to continue studying, but several barriers stood in their way. The village had no Upper Primary or composite school, and the nearest school was far away. The family kept goats, and the girls had to tend to them daily. To add to the difficulties, Payal’s Aadhaar card had incorrect details, and little Bittu did not have one at all, making school admission nearly impossible. Meanwhile, Shalu showed no interest in returning to school and resisted all encouragement.
