Chandan Singh Banjara, Age-36,Chakdeopur
Garima Lungphoi is a student in 9th standard from Jagiroad, Nakhola Secondary School of Morigaon district. At the outset she looks like any other young girl but she has been dealing with her share of challenges on her own. Hailing from a family consisting of her grandmother, parents and a brother, she is constantly caught in a flux of growing in her personal life through education with her mother’s constant support and stepping back to limit her growth fearing her father’s reaction.
It is the self-inflicted inhibition as a consequence of fear that is the hardest to overcome as it requires a change in the belief system and a sense of trust in it often validated by the environment. In this regard, Garima is pleased to have enrolled in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) for Girls program where she is able to explore her perspective on the growth of girls in the education field.
Her teachers share that Garima, although a very talented girl, is always seen depriving herself from her studies and often reluctant to join her peers in participating in other activities of the school owing to her father’s restrictions. The headmaster of the school notes that she has been struggling between the rules of a daughter set by her father and learning in school. But since she has been a part of the STEM program, the teachers have seen many changes in her as she seeks to actively participate.
Her mother is glad that she is exposed to such a program where even her son is made to understand that there ought to be no difference based on gender when it comes to education. Her mother’s hopes are rendered fruitful as Garima is seen changing her mindset about a girl’s role in getting educated. Her school facilitator feels encouraged when she hears Garima saying, “Ma’am, we must move forward by removing the unwanted rules that bind us as girls. Only then can we become brave and suitable women in society and inspire the next generation.”
The school teachers are grateful to have this program and one of them shares, “ We are truly inspired by this interest and courage shown by Garima. She can be an inspiration for other students too. I truly believe that girls should always move ahead and along with that be able to respond to society in the right way.”
STEM for Girls Programme implemented in Rural Areas of Govt schools since 2019. The main aim of this program encourages educating the girl students to take higher education as STEM-related courses.
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