Moonam Palli is one of the target villages of the project “Break the Chain” supported by BMZ to address the issues of labour exploitations and recruitment of adolescent girls in textile supply chain. As part of the project initiative, youth groups were formed and strengthened in all the project target villages. The youth groups in Moonam Palli village emerged as a successful group to solve community issues, one such is ensuring access to education by getting bus shelter to their village through their actions.
One of the most immediate barriers to consistent school attendance in Moonam Palli village was the lack of a proper shelter at the village bus stop. This seemingly minor issue created major obstacles for students. Forced to wait in the sweltering heat or torrential rain, children often arrived at school exhausted or ill. The youth group recognized this as a direct impediment to education. They took decisive action, submitting a petition to the Gram Sabha on August 15th, demanding a bus stop shelter. While their initial plea went unanswered, they understood the importance of persistence. On Gandhi Jayanti, October 2nd, they returned with renewed determination, submitting a second petition. This time, their solid activism succeeded. Construction of the shelter at the bus stop is now underway, ensuring students can travel to and from school safely and comfortably, ready to learn.
Beyond infrastructure, the youth group tackled a critical health issue that was directly impacting children's ability to attend school. They observed a pattern of frequent absences due to illness. Through diligent investigation, they discovered the root cause: contaminated drinking water. The village's water tank, left uncleaned, was causing waterborne illnesses, keeping children out of the classroom. The youth group swiftly responded, submitting a petition demanding the tank's immediate cleaning. Their prompt action resulted in the tank being sanitized, effectively eliminating a major health hazard and ensuring children could return to their studies.
The youth group of Moonam Palli has become a vital link in their community's educational ecosystem. Their efforts to provide a safe travel environment and ensure access to clean water have directly removed barriers to education. They've not only improved the lives of the villagers but have also paved a smoother path for children to pursue their education.
From Project: Break the Chain written by Priscilla N.