Wilson has never seen school in his life, but now his day has changed.
Wilson lives in Jaddigadde village with his grandmother. His father left him long back and mother has migrated to nearby place for livelihood.
At the age of seven, he has not seen blackboard in his life. He should have been in class 2 by now if he had joined school.
Illiteracy is one of the major problems faced by Siddi community. Since most of the parents are illiterate, they do not give importance to children’s education.
Wilson says “Earlier, my daily routine was different. Every day morning, I eat the leftover food of previous night given by my grandmother and then accompany her to the field. I used to stay there till she finished her work. Sometimes I stay back home and play alone.”
Since his grandmother is not educated, she has no idea of the value of the education and hence did not force him to go to school. However, with support of ActionAid, SJVS (Siddi Jana Vikas Society) helped him to go to nearby Anganwadi centre and provided him slate, books and bag.
Wilson says “I enjoy being in Anganwadi. I learnt Kannada and English alphabets and other subjects. I feel very nice to carry new bag and books, like other children. These days I get up early morning. My grandmother helps me in getting ready to go school. At 9 am in school. I look forward to play with my new friends there. I get hot meals too. Uncle (Ramnath) told me that if I study well, they will send me to proper school.”
Coming June, SJVS is planning to send Wilson to primary school and try to get him admission in class 3 according to his age.
ActionAid and SJVS is planning to do a 3month long school enrollment campaign in village to encourage Siddi children join school.
At the age of seven, he has not seen blackboard in his life. He should have been in class 2 by now if he had joined school.
Illiteracy is one of the major problems faced by Siddi community. Since most of the parents are illiterate, they do not give importance to children’s education.
Wilson says “Earlier, my daily routine was different. Every day morning, I eat the leftover food of previous night given by my grandmother and then accompany her to the field. I used to stay there till she finished her work. Sometimes I stay back home and play alone.”
Since his grandmother is not educated, she has no idea of the value of the education and hence did not force him to go to school. However, with support of ActionAid, SJVS (Siddi Jana Vikas Society) helped him to go to nearby Anganwadi centre and provided him slate, books and bag.
Wilson says “I enjoy being in Anganwadi. I learnt Kannada and English alphabets and other subjects. I feel very nice to carry new bag and books, like other children. These days I get up early morning. My grandmother helps me in getting ready to go school. At 9 am in school. I look forward to play with my new friends there. I get hot meals too. Uncle (Ramnath) told me that if I study well, they will send me to proper school.”
Coming June, SJVS is planning to send Wilson to primary school and try to get him admission in class 3 according to his age.
ActionAid and SJVS is planning to do a 3month long school enrollment campaign in village to encourage Siddi children join school.
