Nawadih (Koshdariya), the last village in Rajauli block in Bihar, is surrounded by hills but remains isolated from essential services like education and healthcare. With most families depending on hazardous mica mining, child labour is prevalent, and awareness about education is limited.
Nancy (name changed), a 17-year-old girl from the village, had to drop out after completing the 8th grade due to the lack of a nearby school and an unsafe route through the forest. With no access to further education, she was forced to work in mica mining to support her family. In a youth meeting, Nancy shared her struggles, including her family's plans to marry her off, following the fate of her elder sister, who faced difficulties after early marriage. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, the project team of Koshish raised Nancy’s case at the local governance office. A series of discussions were held with school authorities and government officials, including the Block Education Officer, to find solutions. Wardens from Kasturba Gandhi Residential Schools in the area identified vacant seats for girls who had completed the 8th grade. Kasturba Gandhi Residential Schools, established to provide education and hostel facilities for girls from marginalized communities, became a crucial solution for her and others facing similar challenges.
A youth meeting was organized in Nawadih, where it was collectively decided that eligible girls would begin the enrollment process. Field workers actively assisted them in collecting necessary documents, such as transfer certificates and caste certificates, and helped them open bank accounts. Despite challenges, the commitment of the field workers and the determination of the girls led to a successful outcome. Today, Nancy and 13 other girls from Nawadih and surrounding 14 villages are enrolled in residential schools. This intervention has not only protected them from child labour and early marriage but has also empowered them with knowledge and opportunities for a better future.
From project: Ending the worst forms of child labor in mica mining in Bihar and Jharkhand written by Rohit Rakshit