Grassroots Initiative Empowers Slum Children in Bhubaneswar to Learn Odia
Yashoda Maa’s ‘pathshalas’ lend Bhubaneswar slum kids a voice in Odia
The Times Of India
Image: The Times Of India
In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Nibedita Lenka, known as Yashoda Maa, has established five Barnabodha Pathshalas to help underprivileged children learn Odia. This grassroots initiative provides a space for 150 children to enhance their language skills and learn social values, arts, and music, all funded primarily through Lenka's personal savings.
- 01Nibedita Lenka, also known as Yashoda Maa, founded Barnabodha Pathshalas in Bhubaneswar's slums.
- 02The initiative supports 150 children in learning Odia and developing social skills.
- 03Classes are conducted after school for two hours daily, focusing on reading, writing, and cultural education.
- 04Lenka has been a social worker for over two decades, emphasizing education and identity.
- 05The project is largely self-funded, relying on Lenka's savings and award money.
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In the slums of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Nibedita Lenka (Yashoda Maa) is spearheading a grassroots initiative to promote the Odia language among underprivileged children. Through her Barnabodha Pathshalas, established five years ago, she provides educational support to 150 children in areas such as Somanath Basti and Jagannath Ambatota Basti. The Pathshalas offer two hours of instruction each evening, focusing on reading, writing, and speaking in Odia, alongside lessons in social values, art, and music. Lenka, a dedicated social worker for over two decades, emphasizes the importance of education rooted in language and identity. Notably, this initiative is largely self-funded, with Lenka drawing from her personal savings and prize money from various awards to sustain the centers. Each of the four local volunteer teachers is compensated with ₹1,500 monthly, ensuring that the children receive quality education and support.
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This initiative empowers children in slum areas by providing them with essential language skills and cultural education, which can enhance their future opportunities.
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