Impact Stories

Educational support for Shivam Pardesi

When a key family member passes away, troubles are only mounted for the near and dear ones, specifically in a lower middle class family. They struggle to meet their ends. In such a scenario, education of the child is not a priority anymore. The child is expected to contribute to the family’s dwindling income and not study further. But here is a mother, a Class 10 pass out, ironing the clothes day and night, not only to run the house but also to pay the school fees of her son who studies in Class 9.

Sheela Pardesi, 56 lost her husband a few months before we met her. Sheelaben along with her son stay in Mahadev Nagar, a cluster of one room homes in Ahmedabad. She has been ironing the clothes for years now, and earns Rs 5,000 per month. She has one daughter who is already married and settled with her husband. Her husband, Rajendrakumar used to iron the clothes and worked in an open area near Keshavnagar. He didn't have any health issues but one day, he complained of fever and cold. With medicines, his condition didn't improve much. Sheelaben got him admitted in the government hospital but he didn't want to stay in the hospital for long. He was hence brought back home and given medication by a private doctor. Within a few days, he faced breathlessness and coughing and breathed his last within a few days. He was tested negative for Covid19. This resulted in Sheelaben having to reconfigure her entire life.

As she came to terms with the loss, Sheelaben felt education was the only asset she could gift her son. Her son Shivam fortunately was good in studies. He scored 82% in Class 7. But the lockdown and online education had affected him heavily. They were not in a position to buy a smart phone. Hence, Shivam was dependent on the notes of friends and whatever he could gather from his school seniors. After a long time, his extended family helped him by giving a second hand smart phone to study. But the foundation of Class 8 had become weak in the subjects of Maths, Science and English grammar. This worried his mother.

While her husband was alive, he had gotten in touch with Infoanalytica Foundation. Sheelaben now approached the foundation and they promised them to help her in any form. She told them that her son needed tuition classes as mere learning in school and self-studies weren’t helping. The foundation agreed and is now paying Shivam’s yearly tuition fees of Class 9. Shivam on the other hand is making efforts to score well. He enjoys studying and is now getting grip in Maths and Science. English is still difficult for him Sheela says, "I was earlier working in a medical company and had good income too. I had to resign after the birth of my children. So, I too joined the ironing business. But this is an uncertain business. One day you get more business and the other day you may not have enough." She adds, "I work from home as there is a need for presence of one adult at home. The tuition teacher has assured me he will help upgrade the level of education of Shivam. He scored 38/50 in Math in mid-term exams recently. I am ensuring that he studies with focus. His foundation which got weak during 2020-21 needs to be strengthened”.

Shivam knows that his mother relies on him. He is her hope. He wants to be her support. His cousins from maternal side are a great influence to him. They studied well and are doing jobs. He finds motivation from them. Sheelaben couldn't stop her tears remembering her husband. "Life is tough without him," says Sheelaben. She believes education is the only way to earn well and be self-reliant. She advised his son that education empowers one with good thoughts and actions. One can help others if one is educated. One needs to keep learning every day.

The help in terms of tuition fees is being paid yearly. If he continues to do well in studies, the tuition fees will be continued. The foundation also plans to support him further with his college studies and career should he need any help.