750 Girls, 3 Toilets: Fight for their right to an education and an environment where they can learn

I started volunteering with CRY about one month ago, and it's opened my eyes aplenty already. I've been working with the Volunteer Action team here in Delhi and I've met several other volunteers who initiated or started various public action groups at CRY. I am impressed. I am impressed that at relatively little financial cost to an NGO, people are making a difference. I am impressed that there actually are plenty of us that want to make a difference. I am impressed that CRY never turns volunteers away but instead utilizes their passion and skills to do good.

I went to an MCD primary school where a group of volunteers in partnership with the Principal of the school have really turned things around: there was no sweeper in the school because the MCD had not employed one - children were trying to keep the school clean themselves instead of studying. There is  now a sweeper, thanks to the Principal and the volunteers,  There also weren't enough teachers at this school (there still aren't) but the situation has improved with the recruitment of more teachers, again thanks to the Principal and volunteers and I'd like to give special mention here to Ms. Sony who lives in Dakshinpuri where this school is located. Ms. Sony works for ActionIndia, and dedicates a great deal of her time and energy to ensure children where she lives have access to the education that is their right. She's one of the many unsung heroes in India working towards a better future for generations to come and CRY is thrilled to team up with her in an effort to improve MCD schools.

Children at MCD Primary School (No.1) along with the Principal in Dakshinpuri
Photograph By: Madhureema Sen, CRY intern

There are still problems at this school: 750 girls attend this school in the morning and for all these children there are just three toilets. This does not lend itself to a clean environment which every school should have. I know Ms. Sony and the other volunteers from the Dakshinpuri Public Action Group are helping principals in several schools to make the kind of improvements that will encourage attendance and allow students to flourish. This fight needs more of us, so no matter which colony or neighbourhood you live in - look around, get out of your comfort zone, ask questions, and do more. It's frustrating to make changes - they move slowly; building relationships and trust takes time. But one person can make a difference..... they can start a movement that surpasses their own vision.

By: Priyanka Jhala, CRY Volunteer, Delhi