Saturday, February 24, 2018

Empowered parents take a step forward as we say Goodbye …


Saying goodbyes is never easy but if we are prepared for it things become just a bit easy. The PPCE program in Hinjewadi will complete three years in April and it will be time for DSS to exit the field after the school exams are over. For the last three years DSS has been like a guardian to them; giving the school going children and parents support whenever required. To help the parents and children deal with the upcoming break, they are being well prepared through various activities. 

Parents were first told that by April they will have to take full responsibility for their children’s education as the PPCE team will not be visiting them. They were naturally upset but understood that there are others like them who need our help and guidance. After Diwali vacation, in October, DSS had reduced the number of visits asking parents to visit the schools and build a rapport with the school teachers.

As a part of the exit strategy DSS had organized a get-together of parents and children of Hinjewadi area in Man village. 105 children and 57 parents attended the meeting. Mr. Sachin, our field associate, who is a dedicated and tireless worker helped organize it very well. He is very popular with the parents as he helps the children with all their problems. The parents are very attached to him and they had tears in their eyes as they thanked him for his support.   
We also invited the school staff and other influential village members (Sarpanch, ZP members, volunteers etc) who have actively supported us. We once again told the parents about the importance of education and the Right to Education Act that will help their children to continue with their education, no matter where they go in the future.
One of the school teachers addressed the crowd and told them how lucky they were that DSS had come to help them with their children’s education.  Even the school was doing better as they had more students on their roll thanks to Mr. Sachin who encouraged children to get enrolled in the school. Not only that, he also ensured that all the children attended school regularly.  
Everyone enjoyed the games organized for that day and participated with a lot of enthusiasm. It was also an emotional time for both the parents and the DSS team as they said goodbye. They requested us for someone who will support them and is available to them as and when required. 


We wish the parents and their children the best and leave with a strong hope to see the children having a better tomorrow with today’s education.

Parents getting felicitated 

Volunteers addressing children