Vardhishnu - Social Research & Development Society

Story of Harshal: Harshal was the 1st student of Vardhishnu to pass-out 10th grade board exams in 2018. His father used to sell vegetables outside Anandghar premise. Post 10th he did ITI in Electronics. He went to Pune for about 2 years to gain detail knowledge and experience. Currently Harshal takes individual contract of Electrical fitting of offices and commercial spaces. He recently bought 1 BHK house and is taking complete care of his parents. Sustained efforts with the children and their parents have enabled making a behavioral change and instill importance of education in the community. Among Children: ● 500+ children have been enrolled in mainstream schools with sustenance rate of 92%. ● 40+ children have passed out 10th standard exams. ● Currently 300+ children are learning in 6 different community learning centers in Jalgaon, Chopada & Amalner. ● 95% children quit consuming substances like tobacco, gutkha. ● There is a gradual reduction in health problems. (Avg. HB count in 2022 is 10.5 as compared to 7.5 in 2017) ● There is sense of ownership among children which is visible in how they manage centers at their own. Among Parents: • Initially parents were not much enthusiastic to send their children to Anandghar and schools as well. But today parents are eager to send their children to the schools which are clearly visible in increasing enrollments every year. • Parents are more invested in their child education. The attendance at monthly parents meet is 90%. Among Communities: • The community members are now actively involved in the work of Anandghar. In 2019 community members of Samata Nagar collected donation and constructed a room on a community space, they gave the room to run Anandghar. Similarly, community members of Tantya - Bhil gave us a space to construct a room to run Anandghar. These incidences show the trust of the community and how their investment in a child’s education has been increased in last few years. Among Schools: • Initially schools were not ready to enroll our children due to so many prejudices and biases. It took us some time to break these barriers. Now schools are not only ready to enroll our children but also helping us actively to complete the formalities. • Currently our children are enrolled in 14 different schools and we are taking regular follow-up with 25+ teachers for better sustenance of children.