Background
Raj Debnath is a bright and determined 8-year-old from the Kempapura community, currently studying in Grade 3 at Suma Public School. His family migrated from Kolkata to Bengaluru five years ago in search of better livelihood opportunities. His father works as a rag picker and his mother in housekeeping. Despite financial challenges, his parents are deeply committed to securing a better future for their only child.
Challenge
Raj joined Diya Ghar at the age of three and developed strong foundational literacy and numeracy skills in a safe and nurturing environment. After graduating in April 2024, transitioning to formal schooling presented a financial challenge for his family. His parents wanted him to attend an English-medium school, believing it would provide better opportunities, but the cost of private schooling risked becoming a barrier to his continued education.
Intervention
With external support covering a significant portion of his school fees, along with fee assistance from Shanti Sparsh, Raj enrolled at Suma Public School without interruption. This support enabled him to continue his education while giving his parents confidence that they could sustain his schooling despite their limited income.
Transformation
Today, Raj is thriving in his new school environment. His dedication to learning is reflected in his academic performance, scoring 89% in his Grade 2 final examinations. He remains curious, enthusiastic, and particularly interested in English. Proudly wearing his school uniform, Raj is among the few children in his community with access to this opportunity. With determination and continued support, he hopes to fulfil his dream of becoming a police officer.