Walking Together Towards Education: The Transformation of Bhalgul
Challenges in Bhalgul
Bhalgul is home to 30–35 families dependent on farming and daily wage labor. The village has a primary school up to grade 4, but children must travel 2.5 km to Pedli for grades 5-10, making regular attendance challenging.
During a visit on 22nd July 2025, many children had stopped attending school, with some dropping out completely. Parents shared concerns that children wandered into forests during school hours.
URMEE’s Trust-Building Approach
Urmee Foundation built trust by communicating in the local language, engaging children through games, riddles, and stories, and counseling parents during home visits about education’s importance. The motivating slogan “We will all go to school!” was introduced with regular follow-ups.
Key Milestone: 2nd August 2025
A special community hall gathering brought children and parents together to share snacks and discuss education. Parents expressed happiness seeing improved attendance and interest in studies.
The Game-Changing Initiative
One child’s heartfelt remark inspired the “Walking Together Towards Education” initiative. Children began walking to school together, supporting and encouraging each other.
Transformative Results:
- Improved school attendance
- Increased children’s confidence and learning interest
- Community recognition of education as shared responsibility
A Model for Other Hamlets
The initiative transformed Bhalgul into a place where children rediscovered schooling joy. It serves as a model showing that when children walk together, they walk toward a brighter future.
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Bhale Estate Behind Pratham, Pune, Maharashtra
