When the state government of West Bengal reopened schools in mid-February to offline classes, following suit Surokhit Shaishav – Child Rights programme of West Bengal also jumpstarted its campaign – Learning and Back to School.

As per Article 21-A of the Indian constitution free and compulsory education for all children between the age group of six to fourteen is a fundamental right.

Ensuring this right is enjoyed by every child, our dedicated child rights activists carry out multiple activities including miking, community awareness programmes and house visits. In addition to that, regular meetings with the mother group and child club began in all 164 villages across six districts of West Bengal. Learning and the back-to-school campaign was highly appreciated by school management more so accepted by families and those who missed these opportunities due to the lockdown. This campaign was supported by local stakeholders who aided in identifying and ensuring that children are back to school.

One of such success story is of Khushi Kumari, 14 years old girl residing with her family at Matighara, an urban town just 2.3 kms far from Siliguri town. Khushi is a bright young cheerful girl who did not rejoin the school once they were open in April 22.

As Covid-19 spread and lockdown was introduced, her father lost his job and the future looked very bleak. Given the precarious situation, Khushi decided to quit her studies to help her mother in daily chores of the house.

On 7th April 22, Mrs Apoorva a local ICDS worker who was on her usual home visit in that village, saw Khushi at home helping her mother. She later found out that she had not been going to school, even when the school reopened. She spoke to Khushi and could sense her passion to continue her education. ICDS workers immediately informed Child protection workers (CPW) about Kushi. The very next day, CPW came to meet Khushi’s parents. After a lot of counselling with both parents, they finally agreed to send their daughter Khushi back to school.

CPW took Khushi and re-enrolled her back to Holy Child school. The promptness and watchfulness of Mrs Apoorva Sen, a local ICDS worker brought back happiness in Khushi’s life.

Likewise, Surokhit Shaishav partners have identified, and rerolled children engaged in labour during the lockdown. This was possible only due to one-to-one counselling of parents and children.

Child leaders also took the initiative to motivate their peers to rejoin the school.

Like Khushi Kumari, an extremely cheerful and inquisitive, Laxmi Mondal from a very young age believed in the idea that education is the only path to carve his identity. A student of 7^th standard, studying at Arjunpur High School, Shibnager, Laxmi was a passionate dreamer motivated to create his independent identity. He wanted to study and create a positive legacy for fellow children of his village. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and subsequent financial challenges faced by the family, he had to put a stop on his dream. But as a part of this campaign, the programme team identified him with the help of child club leaders. Today, Laxmi is happy to rejoin school and restart the process of fulfilling his dreams.

Caritas India’s partners are relentlessly trying not to miss out on any single child, who is out of school. One child lost or untraced is guilt on us”, expressed one child protection worker of the Surokhit Shaishav Program. Their safety and security worry us.”

It gives us immense satisfaction to see children going back to school, learning playing and enjoying with their fellow friends.

Caritas India partners have re-enrolled 50 children under the age of 6 – 14 years and 89 children 14 – 18 ) years in the last 6 months, since schools re-opened.