Once upon a time, studying was no less than a dream for the girls in a small village tucked away in Lakhimpur district. The possibility of education seemed like a distant star on the horizon. However, today, these very village girls are not only chasing their dreams of learning but are also playing a significant role in illuminating the lives of patients in their community.
Dreams of Education in a Tiny Village
In a remote village situated about 130 kilometers from Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, a young girl named Divya Bajpai had a burning desire to study, just like the girls from elsewhere. Her journey began in her childhood, growing up with her grandparents in the village of Mohammadi. She managed to complete her 12th grade and then pursued a B.A. degree. But the right academic atmosphere and opportunities were scarce.
A Beacon of Hope in Lakhimpur District
That’s when she discovered Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital, a beacon of hope that was lighting up the path for girls like her. This unique institution offered free education to girls, along with provisions for their accommodation and meals. Divya, now 19, shares, “I came here in 2022. I used to be very calm before, but since coming here, I have been studying and gaining a lot of extra skills. When I was at home, life was quite challenging, but now, I have developed a lot of confidence.”
Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital: A Lifeline for Girls
Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital operates multiple branches in Delhi, Rajasthan, and various districts of Uttar Pradesh. The Managing Director of the institution, Dr. Parul Datt, has been dedicatedly working towards this cause for the past 20 years. She emphasizes that their aim is to provide free training to girls whose families may not have the means to support their education.
Empowering Young Minds with Skills
Divya is currently pursuing an Optometry course in the Mohammadi branch of Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital. The course covers a wide range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, eye diseases, eye care, communication skills, and patient feedback management. This comprehensive education equips these young girls with skills that will help them secure a job and become self-sufficient.
Transforming Lives, One Girl at a Time
In these institutions, only girls between the ages of 17 to 21 are eligible for admission, and they have to pass an entrance exam. After two years of study, they are eligible for a job with a starting salary of 10,000 to 15,000 rupees. “The job opportunities are plenty after two years of education. Starting from 10,000 to 15,000 rupees, the salary keeps increasing,” says Saloni Singh, a 21-year-old girl from nearby Turakata village who is also studying in the Mohammadi branch of Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital.
In a region where the gender gap in education and employment is quite evident, these initiatives are bringing about a transformative change. They are not just educating girls but also empowering them to contribute to their communities and enhance the lives of those in need. These village girls are proving that dreams can come true, and with the right support and opportunities, they can make a remarkable difference in the world.
