The Khushaal Bachpan, or “Happy Childhood” is an initiative of Caritas India dedicated to enhancing various facets of children’s lives to ensure their happiness and fulfilment. a multi-state cluster programme aims to ensure that children lead a safe, happy and dignified childhood with an enabling environment promoting easy access to their rights. A key cornerstone of the project is “Education,” under which one of the crucial goals is to ensure that every child completes a minimum of 12 years of formal education. To achieve this, Khushaal Bachpan is committed to reducing dropout rates across the ten districts where the project’s presence is established.

Uttar Pradesh, one of the operational states of the program has recorded the highest dropout rates in the country in terms of girls. Khushaal Bachpan has made special efforts to reduce the dropout rate of children, especially girls. Mobility or commutation was one of the major reasons that emerged during the survey conducted behind the dropout rate among girls.

Khushaal Bachpan in a public event handed over cycles to the girls who were willing to continue their studies. The event brimmed with distinguished guests gathered to illuminate the occasion. Among them were key figures including officials from SSB (Sashatra Seema Bal), assistant inspector Jasveer Singh, and constable Jayapal Rana. Given the unique role of the SSB force in protecting Indo-Nepal border at Shravasti and tackling human trafficking- their presence aligned with the larger goal of Child Protection of Khushaal Bachpan by strengthening of networks and building trust with stakeholders.

To strengthen our connections further, we welcomed Rasaram Yadav and Ramraj Maurya, the Pradhans of Belri and Gangabhagad Villages, along with Dr. Avnesh Tiwari, Dr. Diwakar Singh, and Dr. Vijay Singh, the Medical Officers In-Charge. Notably, Onkar Nath Chaudhary, the representative of the Child Welfare Committee, graced the event with his presence.

The names of the selected girls were subsequently noted for the mobility support programme that aimed to rekindle their passion for learning and instill a sense of empowerment. To add a personal touch, each cycle bore the name of its recipient, turning the gift into a symbol of individuality and encouragement. “My school is very far from my home and I had to walk to school every day, due to which I did not feel like going to school. Now after getting a bicycle, I can easily go to school, I will be motivated to go to school everyday,” said Amrita Gautam a student and resident of Gangabhagad village.

Amita Singh, the esteemed Chief Guest from the Education Department, took centre stage to share her insights on the profound significance of education. She recounted her personal journey, emphasizing that overcoming adverse circumstances had paved the way for her to stand on that very stage, motivating others to pursue education. Education, she emphasized, not only bestows independence but empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of life.

Eddy Kujur, the State Program Associate for Khushaal Bachpan, addressed the audience and highlighted the overarching mission of the Khushaal Bachpan project and Caritas India. Emphasizing the crucial role of education in reducing dropout rates, he motivated community members to present there. He explained how the initiative aimed to empower communities and underscored the transformative role of education in this endeavor.

The event drew a total of 182 attendees, comprising 25 jubilant girls who received cycles, 500 parents, and 92 children, including 57 girls and 35 boys along with 10 Chief Guests and 15 Community Members. The gathering resonated with a shared commitment to nurture dreams, turning them into tangible achievements, and fostering a community empowered through education.