Shambhunath: In a notable shift, children from the Harawacharawa and Musahar communities in Shambhunath Municipality, Saptari district, are increasingly drawn to education. Previously, only a small fraction of Musahar children attended school, but recent initiatives have led to a significant rise in school enrollment.

The increase is attributed to the educational campaign conducted by the Sripurraj Community Development Center (SCDC), focusing on children from Harawacharawa families in the municipality. Over the past three years, the number of school-age children from these communities has surged from 12 to over 300, thanks to awareness campaigns, parent meetings, and free child tuition classes organized under the project 'Empowerment of Harawacharawa through Social Mobilisation and Education.'

Arjun Sada of the Harawacharawa Shambhunath Town Children Club notes the change, saying, "Until a few years ago, only a small number of children from the Harawacharawa and Musahar communities would attend classes. Now their number going to school is gradually increasing."

Initially, parents were hesitant to send their children to school due to a lack of awareness about the importance of education. However, increasing awareness has shifted this mindset, and parents now recognize the value of education for their children.

The SCDC, with assistance from 'The Freedom Fund,' an international non-profit organization, has played a vital role in this transformation. Currently, more than 200 children from these communities regularly attend free child classes conducted in various wards of the municipality. Among these, 150 have been enrolled in various schools, with the SCDC providing educational materials and bags for free.

Lalu Prasad Ram, the program coordinator of SCDC, mentions that for children out of school, skilled teachers and volunteers are deployed to provide a nine-month course of child education, gradually preparing them for formal schooling.

Bijali Ram, the SCDC facilitator, shares the success achieved so far, stating, "One hundred and fifty children from Haruwacharawa families, who are doing well in primary education, have been admitted to local schools so far. Preparations are underway to enroll the remaining children."

While challenges persist, including poverty and lack of resources, there is a collective effort to continue the positive momentum in ensuring education for all children in these communities. The hope is that this shift towards education will positively impact the lives of these children and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.