Anuj’s Story: From Isolation to Community

Four years ago Anuj, from the Chamoli Bandalghati village, completed class 5 but he was struggling with school and found it hard to keep up. He had very few friends and would mostly keep to himself. Finally, he dropped out of school. Anuj’s father is a daily wage worker and his mother looks after the home. His parents were scared that he would have a difficult time in school and so had not enrolled him in the senior school. Anuj was irregular at the MCF gatherings  as well. But the MCF did not give up on him and someone reached out to him and his family. This helper made friends with Anuj and encouraged him to attend the MCF activities, where slowly, and with help, Anuj gathered confidence. Our helper also spoke to Anuj’s parents and impressed upon them the importance of steady school attendance not just for his academic success but also to have a community and social interaction around him. A lot of communication and reassurance calmed their fears about Anuj being bullied and excluded, and they were assured of the MCF’s support and attention. As a result, Anuj’s parents enrolled him into the Bhagdwarikhal High School. Anuj now goes to school regularly and he also attends the MCF activities and programs as well and has become well adjusted and happier