A Three-Kilometer Journey for Two Girls: Could the Teachers Bring Them Back to School in MP's Katni?
Katni: When two Class 10 students stopped attending school, teachers from the Government Higher Secondary School in MP's Naigawan (Katni) decided to find out the reason for their absence instead of simply marking them 'absent'.
Principal Vipin Tiwari and the school staff learned that the students, Ankita and Sarita, had gone to 'Khusra Mahadev'. Rather than waiting for their return, the teachers walked about three kilometers through the forest to meet them.
Lack of a uniform and inability to pay fees had become obstacles to their education.
Conversations revealed that neither girl had dropped out of school by choice. Sarita was not attending because her family could not afford the school fees. Ankita faced a different challenge—she did not have a school uniform and was hesitant to return without one.
Principal Tiwari offered a simple assurance: "You just come to school; we will take care of the rest."
He told Sarita that arrangements would be made to resolve the issue regarding her fees, while Ankita was assured that the school would arrange for her uniform.
The girls agreed to resume their studies.
For the teachers, this incident served as a reminder that education is sometimes interrupted not because children lack the desire to learn, but because seemingly minor financial difficulties become major obstacles.
Principal Tiwari stated that a child's education should not be halted by issues like fees or uniforms. He affirmed the school's commitment to ensuring that every child attends class, continues learning, and gets the opportunity to build a better future.
Sometimes, bringing a child back to school requires more than just the classroom; it calls for someone willing to walk three kilometers to find them.