Sonu’s Second Chance: How community support brought a child back to school in Jharkhand, India
Background — A family struggling to keep access to education
Sonu Kumar, a bright 13-year-old boy from Ghormaro village, Panchayat Nimadih, lives with his mother Rekha Devi and two younger sisters. His father, the late Kishori Mistri, was the sole breadwinner until his passing, which suddenly left the family in financial distress.
Both of Sonu’s parents are illiterate, and his mother struggles to provide for the family with very limited income from collecting dhibra (mica waste from overburdens). Due to these hardships, Sonu’s education was severely affected. The family often could not afford books, notebooks and school fees on time, resulting in frequent absenteeism and a risk of dropping out altogether.
The Challenge — A child’s future on the line
Despite his keen interest in studies, Sonu began missing school more frequently to help his mother with household chores. With no one to guide or support him academically, his dream of completing his education was slowly fading.
Like many children in marginalized communities, Sonu was on the verge of becoming another school dropout statistic due to poverty and lack of proper guidance.
Intervention under the Community Empowerment Project
Recognizing the importance of education for all children, the Abhivyakti Foundation, with support from the European Union and the Responsible Mica Initiative under the Community Empowerment Program project, launched initiatives in Ghormaro village to promote education and children’s rights.
As part of this program, the Sarojini Naidy Bal Manch (children’s group) was formed to engage local children and form a vibrant platform in the village where they can work together not only for improvement of their education and sports, but also engage for raising issues like child rights, school drop-out and irregularity and other social issues. They started undertaking regular activities and awareness drives to help motivate children to attend school regularly.
During one such Bal Manch event in June 2025, members noticed that Sonu was irregular in school. Concerned, they reached out to him, and field workers from the Abhivyakti Foundation visited his home to understand the reasons behind his absenteeism.
They held discussions with his mother, Rekha Devi, and engaged local community leaders. Together, they counseled her on the importance of education and assured her hat the project would support Sonu in continuing his studies.
“No mother wants her child to remain uneducated. It was the circumstances that were responsible for Sonu’s irregular education, but now I am hopeful. He can continue his studies.” Rekha Devi, Sonu’s mother
Outcome and Impact — A brighter future restored
Today, Sonu Kumar is back in school and studying in 7th grade at +2 Higher Secondary School, Bisnutikar village. Since July 2025, he has been attending classes regularly and has regained his enthusiasm for learning. His mother, Rekha Devi, is proud and relieved to see her son continuing his education despite the odds.
The combined efforts of the Abhivyakti Foundation, Bal Manch and the local community, supported by the Responsible Mica Initiative and the European Union not only helped Sonu resume his studies but also set an inspiring example for other families in the village.
This case demonstrates how community-based interventions can transform the lives of vulnerable children, ensuring their right to education and a brighter future. Bal Manch has now evolved into a strong, active children’s group that continues to motivate others in the village.
Key Takeaway — The power of collective action
Sonu’s story highlights the power of collaboration — when communities, organizations, and families unite, even the most marginalized children can find their way back to education.
