JOIN USResults mattered, not high percentage for these kids
Leena Kallammanavar, Superintendent of Government Children’s Home for Girls, is a happy woman. Two out of the three girls from her institution who wrote this year’s SSLC exam cleared it, and one of them even managed to get a first class.
The institution was set up by the State government for children in need of care and protection. Most of the children here have no access to parental care and come from a very poor social and economical background.
Vidya, one of the inmates, has secured first class (69 per cent). Vidya had to join the Girls’ Home because her mother, who works at a construction site, could not raise funds for her education.
“We could not get two square meals a day. It was a hard time for me earlier,” said Vidya. She scored 100 out of 125 marks in Kannada.
“I wish to be an engineer, so that I can earn money and help children like me in the future,” said Vidya. Priya, Vidya’s classmate at the Girls’ Home, secured second class (51%).
“I don’t know where my parents are, my grandparents enrolled me in this Home as they could not afford my education.” She wants to be a lawyer or banker.
Even though Ria - their classmate - failed to clear all the subjects, her performance is worth recognition, considering the extent of psychological and physical trauma she underwent before the exams. Fifteen days before the exam, she had eloped with a boy.
After her parents complained to the police, she was rescued and brought to the Girl’s Home. The school for students from minority communities - where she was studying - refused to give her the hall-ticket, saying “she had spoilt the institution’s name”. After the intervention of the Child Welfare Committee and Block Education Officer, she was given a chance to write the examination.
Leena said: “Ria is a bright student. Even without studying for the exams, she cleared two papers. She will definitely clear all the papers in June.”
“I made a mistake (of eloping). I have learnt from that and will never let myself down in the future. I will strive hard and clear the exams next time,” said Ria. “All I request my parents is to give me another chance.” Ria aspires to be a lawyer.
All three girls expressed their gratitude to the institution for helping them, by arranging private classes and tuitions.
Meena K Jain, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, said, “We are happy with our students’ achievements. We will stand by them till the end.”
(Names of the students have been changed on request)