At Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD), we believe that every child, regardless of their social status, deserves access to quality education and a nurturing environment to grow.
This story is of Vetticherla Poornima, a 9-year-old girl from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. Her parents, struggling financially and unaware of the admission process, had not enrolled her in any educational institution. She had missed her foundational learning years and was at risk of being permanently excluded from the formal education system.
TCSRD Intervention
- Govt. School Admission
In 2020, during one of our routine outreach visits in Akkampeta village, our team at TCSRD identified Poornima and recognised her vulnerability. The team counselled her parents on the importance of education and guided them through the school admission process. As a result, Poornima was enrolled in a government primary school. However, we knew that enrolling her was only the beginning.
- Village Learning Centre (VLC)
We also enrolled Poornima in our VLC, a community-based support system for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, to help her catch up academically and build confidence. Here, she received regular academic reinforcement, especially in basic reading, writing, and arithmetic, along with social and emotional support. The VLC also offered a safe space for interaction, friendship, and structured learning.
Result
Today, Poornima actively participates in both school and VLC sessions. Once confined to her home, she is now preparing for the Navodaya entrance exam and aspires to become a teacher. Her parents, once unsure of how to support her, now proudly support her dreams.
Conclusion
Poornima’s journey reflects how VLCs are not just bridging the learning gaps – they are transforming lives by giving children the opportunity, confidence, and hope to imagine a better future.
