During a recent trip to Tamil Nadu, I visited Project RWDS in Ramnathapuram district, which focuses on the palm grove workers who tap palm trees to sell jaggery, for their livelihoods. Accompanied by my wife, Jyothi, and our daughter, Nitya, we were deeply moved by their struggles, particularly the debt cycle that limits their children’s education. Nitya’s comparison to the post-reconstruction plight of slaves highlighted the urgency for change.
These workers spend 7 to 8 months in groves far from their villages, with children often missing school, leading to dropouts. Project RWDS serves as a lifeline for these families. They work to keep children in school. It was great to visit a new school in Sengazhaneerodai, built after 14 years of community campaigning. Previously, children traveled 20 kms to school. The new school has 2 classrooms for grades 1 to 5 & provides mid-day meals.
At a nearby development center, we were greeted with song & dance by the children. Nitya, who has recently opened a CRY chapter at her school, engaged with the children from a world so different from hers.
As we drove away, we felt immensely changed. Meeting Mr. Sathaiah & his dedicated team left us inspired to do more, a sentiment I know resonates with Jyothi and Nitya as well. Visiting a CRY project is an eye-opening experience that sheds light on the resilience of communities and CRY’s belief in the power of collective action for change.
Project RWDS Impact 2024
- 1,196 children retained in schools
- 21 children removed from labor & enrolled in school
- 252 children (98%) cleared 10th grade
- 440 children benefited from life skill sessions
Supplementary classes conducted regularly for 107 children
Thank You to Mukund Padmanabhan & Gurukrupa for their generous support of $30,000 to Project RWDS in FY 2024. Your support has enabled this impact in the lives of underprivileged children and we are truly grateful.
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