In the heart of the Bamnikhera village in the Palwal district of India stands Kishora Vidya Mandir, a school symbolizing hope and transformation for the local community. This educational institution has been instrumental in providing quality affordable secondary education to children in the town at an affordable cost. Consequently, it has broken barriers and empowered students, particularly women, to pursue education and escape poverty. The Borgen Project spoke with Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Chairman of Kishora Vidya Mandir, who shared valuable insights about the school.

Poverty remains a significant challenge in the northern Indian state of Haryana despite its rapid economic growth and industrialization. According to the latest available data from the Niti Ayog, the state’s poverty rate stood at 7.07% from 2019 to 2021. While this represents a decrease from previous years, the persistence of poverty highlights the need for targeted interventions. One of the contributing factors to poverty in Haryana is the unequal distribution of wealth. The state has witnessed substantial economic development, but its population has yet to share the benefits equitably. Additionally, rural areas face unique challenges as communities reliant on agriculture contend with unpredictable crop yields and limited access to modern farming techniques.

Regional Challenges and Affordable Education

Lack of affordable education perpetuates the cycle of poverty, limiting opportunities for individuals to secure well-paying jobs. Palwal, an agriculture-dependent region, has long grappled with poverty, limiting many children’s access to secondary education. Consequently, education often takes a back seat due to financial constraints, making it difficult for students to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Kishora Vidya Mandir has emerged as a beacon of hope in these challenges. The school was established in 1994 with 90 students enrolled and since then, it has been committed to providing quality education to every child in the community, irrespective of their financial background. The institution believes education is the key to breaking the chains of poverty and is determined to make it accessible to all. One of the unique aspects of Kishora Vidya Mandir is its focus on offering education at a low cost. This initiative has proven to be a game-changer, enabling families, even those facing financial difficulties, to afford quality education for their children.

The success stories emerging from Kishora Vidya Mandir are a testament to the impact of its commitment to education. The results have been excellent in the last five years, with more than 90% of students graduating from 10th grade and almost 87% graduating from 12th grade. It is worth mentioning that some students were the district toppers in rural areas and the school has grabbed the 10th state position among the thousands of state-run schools.

Practically, Sharma also shared with us that Ms. Poonam, a student who graduated from Kishora Vidya Mandir, eventually cleared the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering and went on to study engineering from the notable NIT Kurukshetra, a renowned engineering college in India. These achievements bring pride to the school and instill confidence and empowerment among the students.

Growth, Partnerships and Collaborations

Over the years, Kishora Vidya Mandir has experienced significant infrastructure and student enrollment growth. Today, around 650 students are a part of the school and receive up to senior secondary education in all three streams, i.e., science, commerce and arts. In addition to affordable school fees, school buses are provided to students from distant villages. The institution’s success can be attributed, in part, to the partnerships and collaborations it has fostered.

Local businesses, philanthropic organizations and government initiatives have supported the school’s mission. These collaborations have provided financial assistance and brought in expertise and resources to enhance the overall educational experience for the students. One such collaboration is a computer diploma course certified by India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development. It is run after school hours and on Sundays to educate the students who have completed 12th grade or anyone willing, irrespective of age.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Bamnikhera

Kishora Vidya Mandir stands as a beacon of hope in the Bamnikhera village, demonstrating that education can be a powerful tool in eradicating poverty and empowering communities. The school’s commitment to providing affordable and quality education has transformed the lives of countless children, breaking down barriers and opening doors to a brighter future. As Kishora Vidya Mandir continues to grow and inspire, it serves as a reminder that education is about acquiring knowledge and building a foundation for a more equitable and prosperous society.

– Srishti Arora
Photo: Pixabay