Lok Shikshan Sansthan (LSS) and Prayaas conducted a month and a half long Summer Education Camp in the Bhadesar area (Chittoregarh dist., Rajasthan).  The camp prepared children to stay away from home in a government school cum hostel to obtain quality high-school education. In the past, most children who tried attending government schools returned home due to homesickness, lack of facilities and a social inferiority complex. In the summer camp, in addition to the school curriculum, LSS and Prayas focused on eliminating the children’s feelings of social inferiority and bolstering their confidence. They also invited several successful professionals in the community who rose from similar backgrounds to serve as role models. A fitting end to the 2008 Summer Education Camp was a touching skit presented by the children during the cultural show. They depicted a small child who frees himself from bonded labor, is admitted to a government school, and overcomes obstacles to become successful.

 -Mamta Chinnappa volunteers for AID in San Diego