Placeholder canvas
 
Close
Igniting Ideas For impact

Embarking on a transformative journey through six chapters, we traverse India's landscape, exploring pioneering startups and their revolutionary...

8 months

TBI Blogs: What This Teacher Did When She Found out That Her Student Travels 74km to Study Is Unbelievable

A small intervention can lead to big positive changes for people in need. Sneha Kalaivanan explores the story of TFI Fellow Sajida Vadgama whose intervention on behalf of one of her students helped him continue pursuing his dreams.

TBI Blogs: What This Teacher Did When She Found out That Her Student Travels 74km to Study Is Unbelievable

A small intervention can lead to big positive changes for people in need. Sneha Kalaivanan explores the story of TFI Fellow Sajida Vadgama whose intervention on behalf of one of her students helped him continue pursuing his dreams.

Eight months ago, Sajida Vadgama was sitting on a worn wooden desk in a classroom in Govandi, a Mumbai slum that has the same Human Development Index as many Sub-Saharan African countries. She had traveled 20 km. from her home to attend a Teach For India “matriculation” meet. Matriculation is the period after Fellowship offers are accepted and before the start of Institute, a five-week residential training programme that inducts people into the programme.

That morning she joined 30 others like her – enthusiastic, nervous, curious, and perhaps weary individuals eager to hear first-hand accounts of the Fellowship experience, to better prepare for the plunge they were about to take. Sajida and her cohort listened as current and former Fellows shared stories and tips before they all strolled through the slum, guided by students. When she heard about Qadr, a student with ADHD who resisted picking up a book despite wanting to read, simply because he didn’t know how, her hand shot up.

She asked how the Fellow was able to diagnose and support this student, just as Sajida had done with one of her own two children.

Sajida at Institute 2016

“As a child, I wasn’t able to complete my studies. I managed to finish my graduation with the support of my husband. I really believe that every student should be given an opportunity to learn, so they can make their own choices. So I used to volunteer and support students. I would pursue it in my own small way whenever I got an opportunity, and connect people to resources. It was more administrative. Both my children are now abroad, and I wanted to touch more lives on a larger scale,” she said. “You may want to do a lot of things on your own, but it’s not easy to teach. So, I decided the Fellowship was the best way to learn from experts who understand this field, and become part of a bigger movement.”

When Sajida took on the Fellowship, she set a goal—to be impactful. But she couldn’t clearly define what that impact would look like.

In August 2016, she met a few of her soon-to-be students for an informal session at Cafe Coffee Day. It was the first time she met 13-year-old Vijay. “When I first met Vijay, there was something about him. I was very impressed. There was definitely a spark in him. I thought, ‘If this is the kind of student body I am going to be associated with, it’s going to be an amazing two years,’” says Sajida. Vijay is an incredibly bright, well-spoken child. Although he comes from a very low-income background, he was already a leader in his community.

Sajida even remembers Vijay trying to assuage her fears about the Fellowship, telling her that it would be fun!

Vijay (second from left) and his classmates

Sajida observed that Vijay had built up a strong foundation with help from previous Fellows, “His values and attitudes were all in place. You don’t really have to teach—you tell him something, and it’s done! The kids have vision documents, and he’s got a bold vision, where he talks about changes he can bring to the community.”

Vijay started a learning circle for dropouts in the Jijamata community near his school. He began by conversing with kids who didn’t go to school. He even approached older children. Many questioned him, but eventually Vijay gathered a willing group.

A few months ago, Sajida noticed a markedly different Vijay. He was worn out, unable to focus, and “his condition was visibly deteriorating”.

Due to financial reasons, his family moved from the surrounding community to Nala Sopara, making his daily commute 74 km.

The distance Vijay travelled everyday (the red marker is his home, and the green marker his school)

“He used to get up at 3 AM in the morning. He and his older brother, in Class X, would start at 4 AM at Nala Sopara, and reach the community by 10:30 AM. His brother would come to school, and Vijay would gather students in an old lady’s house to tutor them before his afternoon school. We felt that this kind of traveling wasn’t very healthy for him, but it went on and on, because he didn’t want to leave a good school. He continued his work in the community too.”

When Vijay’s grandfather passed away, Vijay went to his village and didn’t return for more than two weeks. When he did, Sajida approached him and he broke down. “Didi, I get very tired,” he admitted.

One day, Sajida discovered that he slept in a car. “The very next day, I brought him home. It really shook me. This should not be happening to a kid,” she says. She often had students studying at home and staying informally. “My people are very cooperative,” she explains.

The idea came from her husband, who suggested they support Vijay while they find a long-term solution. “If I can help him, why not? I believe nothing should hinder an education,” says Sajida.

Sajida in class

Sajida and her programme manager reached out to Vijay’s parents to attempt to resolve the problem. “His mother has never been to this part of town. His father used to attend parent-teacher meetings, but he’s quite authoritative. Two days before we started this conversation is when we met,” she explains.

They came up with three options for Vijay—stay with Sajida until he transitions to morning-shift school in Class IX, find a school near his new home in Nala Sopara, or find a home for him in the Jijamata community where he could live and run a community center. “I was talking to him and his eyes lit up whenever we spoke about staying in the community. He was excited about it. He circled it in his book and talked to his parents,” Sajida remembers.

She knew the community centre would be part of his incredible ongoing leadership journey. Living in the community would also help his older brother as he studied for the boards.

The team found a place to rent surprisingly quickly, and Vijay promptly moved in on January 11th!

Vijay in the community

“The other kids were very supportive. A set of parents even came forward to offer him a home. The outpouring of support made him aware of what’s out there,” recalls Sajida, who contributes to his rent. She credits her school team, programme manager, and co-Fellows for facilitating critical conversations with the community.

“His parents are now very appreciative and cooperative. His mom even agreed to go to the CCI match with him!” says Sajida.

Spending time in his new home and community centre

A few months into her Fellowship, and Sajida is already envisioning great things, “This really inspires me to do more. This issue is, of course, a much larger problem. Whenever we are looking at one problem, if a solution works, it can be replicated. We are talking to another student whose situation is different. Each child, society, and context is different, and hopefully this will inspire people to search for solutions.”

Sajida is also keeping her disability lens on. She’s identified six other children who will be diagnosed for potential learning disabilities, ensuring they’ll be in a good place when they enter Class IX, “We’re working with other Teach For India Fellows and organizations to integrate support and make learning more fun and accessible to students like them.”


Have you ever wondered what difference you – one person – could make? Sajida’s work is a testament to the value and impact of seemingly marginal, incremental acts. When her path crossed with Vijay’s quest to become an exemplary leader, she was able to give him a home, and the chance to continue envisioning a better life. How can you reach out and create impact today?

(The author is an Associate, Communications at Teach For India.)

Applications for the 2017-2019 Teach For India Fellowship programme are now open. Submit your application online by March 21st, 2017.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

This story made me

  • feel inspired icon
    97
  • more aware icon
    121
  • better informative icon
    89
  • do something icon
    167

Tell Us More


We bring stories straight from the heart of India, to inspire millions and create a wave of impact. Our positive movement is growing bigger everyday, and we would love for you to join it.

Please contribute whatever you can, every little penny helps our team in bringing you more stories that support dreams and spread hope.

Support the biggest positivity movement section image Support the biggest positivity movement section image
Shorts

Shorts

See All
 
X
 
Sign in to get free benefits
  • Get positive stories daily on email
  • Join our community of positive ambassadors
  • Become a part of the positive movement