Chalk, Challenges, and Change: Prakash’s Path to Success

When I joined OurAim Foundation in January, I was eager to connect with the children at Naveen School through extracurricular and sports activities. One day, I introduced a mind game called “Dimag Ka Khel” to the 5th grade class. The challenge was to draw a shape on the blackboard without lifting the chalk. While most students struggled, one boy named Prakash stood out.

Prakash, despite his irregular attendance, consistently participated in activities when present. His creative thinking and wisdom allowed him to complete tasks that stumped his peers. Intrigued by his talent, I decided to learn more about him.

When I asked Prakash about his sporadic attendance, he opened up about his family situation. Coming from a lower middle class background, Prakash’s parents worked long hours to make ends meet. As the eldest son, Prakash shouldered significant household responsibilities, often at the expense of his education.

Determined to help, I visited Prakash’s family. I explained Prakash’s potential and emphasized the importance of prioritizing his education over household chores. My words resonated with his parents, who agreed to reduce Prakash’s familial duties.

The impact was immediate and profound. Freed from excessive responsibilities, Prakash began attending school regularly. His natural intelligence, combined with consistent attendance, allowed him to flourish. Today, Prakash has emerged as the top student in his class, showcasing the transformative power of education and support.