From Learners to Leaders: Jyothika, Kamini and Bhagyashree's Journey
Jyothika from Chamarajanagar, Kamini from Uttar Pradesh and Bhagyashree from Bangalore, first came to Bija Learning Centres as children. They were regulars—eagerly joining theatre workshops, picking up basic computer skills, and even helping with documentation during Poorna Santhe. Today, both are pursuing their B.Com degrees while continuing to stay closely connected with Bija.
In the evenings, after college, they return as facilitators at the Country Club and Sahakar nagar centres. Quick learners and full of positive energy, they now guide younger children with the same spirit that once nurtured them. Recently, they also enrolled in a carpentry course and are enjoying discovering this new skill.
For us, their story reflects what Bija is about: creating an environment where children not only stay in education but grow into confident young adults. By supporting Jyothika and Kamini as they study and work—adjusting our schedules so they never miss their classes—we're building a space where learning and livelihood go hand in hand.
Parents Become Learners Too
During a parent meeting at the Yelahanka centre, children showcased their craftwork and explained what they had learned. The parents, inspired, said they wanted to learn these skills themselves. For the first time, many of them saw education not just as something for children, but as a shared family journey.
Learning Through Gardens
In the "Kitchen Garden" project, children grew greens and vegetables, then cooked simple meals like menthya bath with their teachers and parents. They not only learned about soil, seasons, and nutrition but also teamwork, responsibility, and the joy of eating what they grew. Education became a delicious, shared experience.
Health Care at the Santhe
What began as a small eco-market has grown into a community hub. At Poorna Santhe, families not only sell local produce and crafts but also access free health camps run by ArogyaSeva Trust and Ayurveda consultations by IAIM Hospital. For many, this was their first step towards accessible and preventive healthcare—woven into the rhythms of community life.
Teachers as Lifelong Learners
Bija facilitators are not just teachers but learners too. In one workshop, they experimented with soil to test for pH, chloride, and carbonate content. In another, they learned basket-making with papier-mâché. These experiences fed directly back into their classrooms, where children got hands-on science lessons and creative crafts from teachers who were excited to pass on what they had just learned.
Holding On to Education
In several centres, children at risk of dropping out found support through Bija. A girl from Country Club centre, whose parents wanted to pull her out for work, was re-enrolled into school after repeated home visits and conversations with her parents. For her, and many others, the centre became the bridge that kept learning alive.
