Due to stigma in schools and parental poverty, Indigenous communities preferred having their children work in the fields rather than sending them to school. They often expressed, ‘Our child is more useful in the fields than at school.’ However, this perspective has shifted since the inception of our various initiatives aimed at highlighting the significance of formal education, enrolling children in school, and covering all associated costs.
As a result, parents have become more receptive to sending their children to school, and the diverse programs we’ve implemented have ensured their continued enrollment. Currently, in the communities where we operate, we take pride in the fact that all school-aged children are enrolled in school. Yet, this achievement brings forth another challenge – the lack of sufficient desks and benches to adequately accommodate all the children.