Freedom and a brighter future for Kartik

Ten-year-old Kartik, who lives in Delhi, dropped out of school and was sent to work at a local retail shop by his own family. Kartik had to work for long hours and would get paid a meager $1 per week. His employer would often abuse him and Kartik would keep these incidents to himself.

Pratham’s urban learning program helps children out of the school network as well. The teachers in the center in Kartik’s area took up his case. They counseled Kartik and his family. Kartik was willing to study, but had never been asked if he had liked school. His parents realized their grave mistake, especially when they heard his tales of horror. They were made to understand the value of education and risks involved in child labour. With this intervention, his parents agreed to enroll him in school and at the Pratham Learning Center so that he can have a better future.

Kartik’s story has became an example for all the neighborhood families. Kartik has joined a local school and is also a regular student at Pratham. He is really fond of mathematics and the teachers at Pratham are highly impressed with his progress.

For Kartik, Pratham became a window to a brighter future. He is now free to dream and live up to not just his parents’ expectations but also his own expectations.

Kartik told Pratham staff that while he was working at the local retail shop he made a friend who was almost the same age as him. His friend was the owner’s son. That young boy had given Kartik the strength to leave work and fight for his right to study. Kartik said that his friend often used to say “You might be poor, your shoes might be broken, but your mind is a palace.”

Kartik is now a free and happy child!

Thank you for helping give Kartik the freedom to learn!