JourneyOnline
MEET AMI (not her real name). She goes to school.
For many reading this, going to school would not be part of a usual introduction.
But for this Indian child it is a chance not every girl in her village gets.
For a five-year-old, she has seen more than her share of life.
She is one of three children and lives with her grandparents in a small village in Punjab.
Her older sister is seven and goes to school too. Her twelve-year- old brother works in the fields for a landlord.
Ami is from Kangra Girls’ Hostel, Kangra, India – a home and school for girls who would otherwise have no access to schooling.
Uniting Church partners, through UnitingWorld, support the Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India in this project.
A few months ago she was too shy to meet people.
Today she introduces herself with pride and would happily recite a poem or two if asked.
Teacher Yuthika Austin said education for an Indian girl is of utmost importance.
“Empowerment comes through the liberation of the mind,” she said.
“A broader thought perspective on various issues not only helps her impart all good things to her family but helps her ensure that the ‘dharohar’ she passes on to her children will build a better nation.”
We spoke to a few girls from the hostel.
They know how necessary education is and understand that they are blessed with such an opportunity.
They have friends who have to work instead of studying.
For some families it is an essential source of income.
For some the expectations of a girl are to marry and look after the household and children.
The young women in the hostel said they aspired to develop into women who would change the society: to become teachers, nurses or doctors.
We asked Ami what she likes and what her dream is.
She flashed the brightest smile. “I love to dance! And I want to be a teacher!”
I wait for the day when every Indian girl has the freedom to decide her career.
There is a long way to go, but the journey has begun.
Smaraki (Jita) Samantaroy is the communication assistant for the Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India. She recently spent six weeks in Australia learning communications with Journey
Photo : Kangra Girls’ Hostel, in Northern India. Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India
