Anusaya belongs to the Katkari Tribal Community in Maharashtra. The social conditions of this community, especially for the women and children are filled with suffering. Women are sexually harassed and children are forced into child labour. Most of the children, especially girls are illiterate because of the non-availability of schools in the nearby migrant areas.
Anusaya too was forced to drop out off school and was married off at a young age. She lived with her husband in Sutarwadi locality in Pune. They had two sons. Recently, Anusaya lost her husband in a work place accident. He was the only earning member in the family. Anusaya was left all alone to fend for herself and her two sons who are now in primary school.
Anusaya was forced to take on the responsibility of providing for her family and found a job as peon in the nearby Balwadi School. Through the principal of the school she learnt about the HCCB Career Development Centre being run by NIIT Foundation in Pirangut district in Pune. Anusaya knew that the job in the Balwadi school was not sustainable. She felt this was her opportunity to harness her skills and knowledge and aspire for something better.
The centre manager at Pirangut could see the determination in Anusaya’s eyes. She decided to sponsor her course at the centre. Anusaya in the midst of her job at the school, taking care of her household and raising her two children, managed to find time and attend the digital literacy classes. Anusaya began to learn how to use audiovisuals, computers, mouse, key pad, paintbrush etc. All this was very new for her. Initially she would hesitate to interact with other students. However as she began to master her skills and the subject matter, a newfound confidence developed in Anusaya. She began helping other students in class. In the group activity sessions, she shares her experience to motivate others.
Post the completion of the course; Anusaya landed a government job in the Gram Panchayat as a Data Entry Operator. This course and job has helped Anusaya in acquiring a regular income and providing her family with security. Anusaya’s story is inspirational as it shows how one can convert a tragedy into an opportunity and fear into hope.
