Chandrakala’s Journey through Literacy at the Age 55

Location: Khalumbre Village, Khed Block

Chandrakala Kantaram Botre is 55 years old. For most of her life, she stayed at home and took care of her household. Her husband helped her with everything outside the home – going to the bank, travelling, and filling out forms. She never went to school and never felt the need to learn reading or writing.

A Life-Changing Moment

But everything changed last year when her husband passed away suddenly. Chandrakala was left alone and lost her support. She realized she could not do simple things like taking a bus, reading a letter, or signing a bank form. She felt stuck and scared. That’s when she understood how important education really is.

Embracing Adult Literacy

One day, she heard that an adult literacy class had started in her village, Khalumbre. At first, she was nervous, but she decided to join. On the first day, she felt shy. She had never held a book before, and it felt strange. But the teachers were kind and patient, and other learners were also supportive.

Slowly, she started learning. She began with letters, then small words, and then full sentences. As she learned more, she felt stronger and more confident. For the first time, she could read signs, understand papers, and even write.

Independence and Impact

Today, Chandrakala can read and write. More importantly, she has gained confidence and self-assurance. She now confidently handles her own affairs, navigates public spaces, and even helps others in the village.

“We can start at any age.” Her journey is a powerful testament to the fact that learning never depends on age. Her story shows that it’s never too late to learn. With courage and support, anyone can change their own life.

Like Chandrakala, many women from LaaS project are finding the confidence to live their life independently and with pride.

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