Chandrasekharpur, Nandankanan Road, Bhubaneswar
Chandrasekharpur, Nandankanan Road, Bhubaneswar
Ankush Suna, an eighth-grade student at Chacha Nehru School, faced significant challenges following the loss of his father and his mother's limited ability to support his education. However, his story took a remarkable turn thanks to ORF's eVidyaloka program, Swadhyay. Through Swadhyay's virtual classes, Ankush gained a clearer understanding of his studies, overcoming doubts that once held him back. His hard work paid off when he was awarded the National Men's-cum- Merit Scholarship—a testament to his newfound confidence and academic success. Ankush's journey is just one of many success stories emerging from the Swadhyay project, which continues to empower students to fulfill their aspirations and change their lives.
In the remote region of Kalahandi, at Kendupati High School, the remarkable impact of Navadarshan's project with the help of eVidyaloka made Sanjay's life easier. Sanjay, a resilient ninth-grade student, faces physical disabilities, but his unwavering determination to pursue education shines through his story. When the virtual learning session begins, Sanjay's enthusiasm is palpable. He willingly participates, eagerly answering questions posed by the virtual teacher. The digital platform becomes a gateway to not just education but a realm where Sanjay's intellectual potential blossoms. With the help of vocational trainers and physiotherapists provided by the ORF, helped his family with aid to improve his movements, which was far better than before.
Sujit Kumar Majhi, a dedicated special educator with the Jitendra Foundation in Nayagarh, works under the Navadarshan project of the Odisha Rising Foundation to support children with special needs, ensuring they gain education and skills for a better future. One of his students, 10-year-old Chandan Sethi from Fatia village in Nayagarh, was diagnosed with mild intellectual disability, significant behavioral challenges, and learning difficulties, which severely impacted his cognitive abilities, memory retention, and independence in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Coming from a humble background, with his father, Suryamani Sethi, as a farmer, and his mother, Rebati Sethi, managing the household, Chandan faced immense difficulties in academic tasks, posture management, and following instructions.
Sujit developed an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) tailored to Chandan's needs, focusing on achieving independence in activities of daily life, improving academic and social skills, reducing problem behaviors, and engaging him in vocational activities. Through consistent interventions, including positive reinforcement, individualized support with physical and verbal prompts, and active parental involvement, Chandan made remarkable progress. He improved his personal hygiene, socialized with peers, and actively participated in classroom activities. He learned to recognize English alphabets, understand color concepts, string beads, identify body parts, traffic signals, and vehicles, and mastered single-digit addition and writing his address. Special education sessions further enhanced his ADL training, academic skills, and social behavior, enabling Chandan to achieve significant milestones and a more independent future.
Rakhi Rana, another 7th-grade student at GHS Teresinga, has faced similar hardships. Her family's financial struggles have always been a barrier to accessing additional educational resources. Unlike many of her peers who could attend private tuition, Rakhi had to rely solely on what she learned in school, which was often not enough, especially in subjects like math and science.
Math and science were subjects that Rakhi found particularly challenging. She often felt left behind as her classmates grasped concepts that she struggled to understand. The lack of additional support made her feel as though she would never catch up. However, the introduction of the virtual classes marked a turning point in her education. The program provided Rakhi with the opportunity to learn at her own pace. The digital platform offered interactive lessons that made complex concepts more accessible. With the support of dedicated teachers who patiently explained each topic, Rakhi began to make progress in both math and science. Concepts that once seemed impossible to grasp slowly started to make sense. Rakhi now feels more confident tackling math and science problems. Her improved understanding of these subjects has not only enhanced her academic performance but has also sparked a newfound interest in learning. Rakhi expresses deep gratitude to ORF for giving her the chance to overcome her educational challenges. She now looks forward to a future where she can pursue her academic interests without fear.
Among those affected was the Kumar's (Name Hidden) family, who tragically lost two of their beloved members in the accident. During this difficult period, the Kumar family received relief support from the Odisha Rising Foundation with the support of IDFC Bank. Through their compassionate efforts, the Kumar family received dry food and hygiene kits, which provided some comfort and relief in their time of grief. In the face of adversity, the Kumar family demonstrated resilience and perseverance. They took one step at a time, embracing the memories of their lost loved ones while channeling their grief into rebuilding their lives. With the support of ORF and IDFC Bank and the unwavering love of ORF Team members, the Kumar family gradually found the courage to move forward. Their journey serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of community support during times of immense loss and uncertainty. The Kumar family's story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope can be found and the journey toward healing and rebuilding is possible with unwavering support and determination.