AID partners, Lok Shikshan Sansthan (LSS) and Prayaas have been working with tribal children in the Bhadesar area of Chittoregarh District in Rajasthan. A major problem in the local schools is that the teachers only attend school intermittently thus leading to children dropping out as parents question the effectiveness. Also, children can earn wages by grazing goats or doing other work, thus contributing to the sustenance of the family. Chittoregarh district has 18 government schools with attached hostels. The education as well as stay in the hostel is available without a fee for tribal children. In the past, some children who tried going to the government schools, returned back within weeks due to homesickness, lack of facilities and other social issues.

Prayaas and LSS worked on this problem and held a month and half long Summer Education Camp, which worked as a way to help children get accustomed to the school and thus reduce the drop out rate. Along with the regular curriculum, they also focused on building the confidence of the children. They also invited other role models with a similar social context to act as mentors.

At the end of 2008 Summer Education Camp, the children presented a touching story through a skit performed during the Cultural Show. They depicted a small child who gets freed from "bonded labor" and admitted to a government school, the obstacles he faces and how he overcomes to become successful in life.

AID Austin has been working with LSS and also supports a project called TABLE - Tribal awareness and bonded labor emancipation. LSS - Prayaas mainly works on issues like women empowerment, freeing alienated lands, NREGA, fighting for rights of tribals.

Neetu Jain, AIDAustin, is a Software Engineer.

Asish Bhutada, AIDAustin, works in Medical Device Industry.