From Hopelessness to Hope: A Child’s Return to Learning

Aryan Roja Shaikh is a 15-year-old boy studying in Grade 9 at BGS School, Vaibhanagar, Pune. He lives with his parents and younger brother in a vulnerable socio-economic situation. The family runs a small kirana (grocery) shop in their neighbourhood, which serves as their primary source of income.

Aryan’s mother, Kavita Roja Shaikh, works hard to manage the household and the small shop, while his father, Roja Shaikh, is irregularly employed and often stays away from home. Originally from Kolkata, the family has faced long-standing economic hardship, social exclusion, and instability. Aryan’s grandparents lived in urban slums with little land or community support, and the family has continued to struggle with poverty and uncertainty across generations.

Like many vulnerable children affected by poverty, Aryan’s education was interrupted badly when his family could no longer afford school-related expenses. In 2020, Aryan was forced to drop out of school. The situation became even more difficult when his previous school delayed issuing his Transfer Certificate (TC), preventing him from enrolling elsewhere. As months turned into years, Aryan remained disconnected from formal education, isolated from friends, and deprived of opportunities to learn and grow.

Aryan and his family faced multiple barriers. In one hand, the lack of awareness and guidance left the family unable to navigate school procedures and on the other hand, the long absence from school affected Aryan’s confidence, learning ability, and emotional well-being. Gradually, it is found that Aryan has been addicted to Mawa. Responding to a question, Aryan said “I don’t enjoy school because so many children are addicted to substance abuse. They eat Mawa (gutka) and if I go to school, they force me to eat as well,” Aryan shared. “They keep asking me: ‘Thoda sa lega kya’ (Why don’t you try a little)? They consume it inside the toilets in the school, Aryan added.

In this critical juncture, SATHI’s intervention through the project’s community-based Learning Centre brought a gap-bridging hope by which Aryan and his family received timely support and guidance. The project team conducted several counselling sessions with Aryan and his family. In addition, coordinating with the previous school for the issuance of the Transfer Certificate and facilitating the admission formalities and school re-enrolment procedures simultaneously reshaped and improved the situation.

Further, considering Aryan’s situation and his mother’s request, Ms. Rohini a SATHI’s outreach worker recommended him to put in the 25-days camp. A camp which has been designed which has been organized for the street-connected, dropout, and vulnerable children with an objective to bring discipline, de-addict, re-enrolment in the school and bring back to the mainstream society. Through daily activities, storytelling sessions, sports, discipline-building exercises, and group learning, he slowly began rebuilding his confidence and motivation. The camp not only helped Aryan return to school but also gave him emotional support, structure, and hope. Most importantly, Aryan has learned to resist peer pressure and became more aware of the dangers of substance abuse.

Soon after the camp, Aryan was put in the Learning Centre. The Learning Centre became a safe and encouraging space where Aryan gradually reconnected with learning. Through regular counselling and supportive interactions, he regained motivation and began participating actively in educational activities. Aryan has become regular in attending school and has developed a more disciplined lifestyle. His mother reported that he has been become more responsible at home and more conscious about study, maintaining hygiene and following the routine life.

Aryan’s Voice

My dreams of continuing his education without interruption and hopes to become an educated and responsible adult in the future.

“I used to cry whenever I saw my school uniform and shoes. I wanted to go back to school like other children, but I didn’t know if it would ever happen,” Aryan shared.

I believe that no child should be forced to leave school because of poverty.

“I want every child to get the chance to study and build a better future. Parents should ask for help when they need it and children should never lose hope.”

Aryan’s story demonstrates how targeted educational support, counselling, and community engagement can transform the lives of vulnerable children. By addressing both emotional and systemic barriers, the project helped restore not only Aryan’s education but also his confidence, dignity, and hope for the future. His journey is a powerful cue that with timely intervention and compassionate support, every child can reclaim their right to education. In addition, Aryan’s journey is an inspiring example that when vulnerable children are given care, understanding, and opportunity, they can rediscover their strengths and begin to dream again.