Name: Rathika Age: 14 years old Village: Kuruviyenthal Favorite’s: Movie star is Assin and subject is English Time as Child Laborer: 1 year, (12-13 years old).  Joining age at KGBV : 13 years old

Rathika has one brother and one sister. Rathikas’ parents are for 6 months of the year woodcutters, and the remaining 6 months daily wage farmers. Rathika worked for one year in the home, cooking and tending to the family. Rathika parents earn $3 a day as farmers and $2 per day as wood cutters.

Rathika parents are very happy that she is now at school as they no longer have to worry about feeding and clothing their daughter. They are also happy that she is continuing education as neither parent has received any education.

Name: Gomathi Age: 17 Village: Kanayamarithan Favorite’s: Movie star is Vijay and subject is English Additional information: No mother or father Joining age at KGBV : 14 years old

Gomathi has had a very difficult childhood; sadly Gomathis’ mother died giving birth to her. Later when she was just 8 years old her father who was an electrician died in an accident at work. This left Gomathi with just one grandmother as the sole income provider and care giver. 

Gomathis’ grandmother earns less than $1 per day and sometimes she can go for many days without available work, which has made it very difficult to find money for food.

Gomathi was very fortunate to receive help from neighbors to send her to a local government school. Now due to Gomathi needing further help she is studying at KGBV School .

Gomathis’ grandmother is very happy that her grand daughter is at KGBV school as she is the first person in the family to be able to read and write. Gomathis’ grand mother is also very happy that she is receiving three meals a day. Gomathi would like to become an English teacher.

Name: M. Parameshwari Age: 14 years old Village: Kottakatchiyenthal Favorite’s: Movie star is Assin and subject is Craft Additional information: Won many awards for athletics. Joining age at KGBV : 10 years old

Parameshwari, has one sister and two brothers. Both her parents are daily wage woodcutters who work 7 days a week, and over 8 hours a day. Parameshwari schooling was infrequent and was threatened to be discontinued  due to family money problems. Parameshwari had to walk a 12 KM round trip to school, taking almost two hours for each trip. Parameshwari was very tired and some days was too tired to attend school. Parameshwans’ parents are very happy that one of their children has been able to continue with their education as unfortunately her elder sister and brother were unable to receive education due to money problems.

Parameshwaris’ parents now believe that her “future is bright” and would like her to do any job, providing it is not woodcutting. Parameshwari would like to be a Police Officer.

Name: A.Elavarasi Age: 14 years old Village: Kottakatchiyenthal Favorite’s: Movie star is Vijay and subject is English Joining age at KGBV : 11 years old

Elavarasi has 2 sisters and one brother. Her parents are both daily wage farmers, working from 7 am until 5pm. They have a small loan from another NGO so that they could buy some goats.

Elavarasis’ old school was 6 KM, and has had infrequent education due to this long distance. There is no government bus, and the family could not afford for her to use the local bus or afford to buy her a bicycle. Elavarasis’ family would like her to have a stable education and want a safe place for her, where she has consistent food, and free from money problems the family suffer from.

Elavarasis’ father has had a small amount of education, studying up until the age of 11, her mother has not had any education. Elavarasi would like to go to university and get a good job.

Name: M. Rajeswari Age: 14 years old Village: Kottakatchiyenthal Favorite’s: Movie star is Assin and subject is English Joining age at KGBV : 12

Rajeswari has one brother, and two sisters, her parents are both woodcutters.

Rajeswaris’ parents work over 8 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their combined salary amounts to $1 per day, and on occasions struggle for food due to money problems. Due this Rajeswari was asked to work in the brick chamber to support the family. Rajeswari did not want to work there, and of hearing about the school through her friend, decided to run away from home and request to join KGBV School .  Rajeswari was reunited with her parents just one day later. Both parents subsequently agreed for her to join the school.

Both Rajeswaris’ parents are extremely happy that she is able to continue her study and have forgiven her for her escapade! Rajeswaris’ the first member of the family to receive education and has ambitions to get a good government job.