Beerbal Kumar Sahu, Maa Gayatri Vidya Mandir, Mungeli, Chhattisgarh
Beerbal Kumar Sahu had a profound vision—to deliver quality education to rural children. Having previously worked as a teacher in a private school, he consciously sought ways to create a more significant impact in this sector. Reflecting on this journey, he shared, “In 2014, we made the Maa Gayathri Vidya Mandir a reality with the support of like-minded individuals from my community who shared this vision.”
The Visionary School Leader
Beerbal is a dreamer at heart. Holding an MA in English, Hindi, Economics, and a B.Ed degree, he began his educational journey from a local school. His desire to seek “freedom in teaching” led him to take the courageous step of founding a school. Underlining his determination, Beerbal says, “I’ve always aimed to create an environment where students not only learn but truly thrive,” thereby shaping the very identity of the school.
This very aspiration to empower through education is not just a motto for the school leader but a lived reality, and his journey stands as an inspiring example of the transformative power of education in rural communities.
Challenges Faced by the School Leader
When this school first opened its doors, Beerbal took on the roles of Headmaster and supervisor. Over time, convincing parents to enroll their children posed a challenge as many parents were under the impression that government schools offered a better and more affordable education. Convincing parents that our private school could deliver excellent education was an uphill task,” recalls Beerbal from those early days.
Finding qualified teachers willing to join a private school was also a hurdle. Moreover, some parents needed assistance with upfront tuition fees and low-cost transportation, demanding additional resources.
Yet, undeterred by these obstacles, the school leader persevered and achieved success, slowly and steadily. “Despite the challenges, we witnessed the school’s growth,” notes Beerbal. Maa Gayathri Vidya Mandir consistently sees students selected for competitive exams like JNV, army public school, and state scholarship. The school’s impact extends to helping students secure jobs in various fields, with former students regularly returning to express their gratitude. “Our journey has been challenging, but the success stories of our students make it all worthwhile,” Beerbal emphatically affirms.
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Achievements
“Our choice of teachers reflects our commitment to providing a well-rounded education tailored to each child’s needs,” Beerbal reveals. His school takes pride in being the sole school in Mungeli teaching students about disaster management and equipping them to handle challenging situations. In Beerbal’s words, “We strive to go beyond conventional education, ensuring our students are prepared for real-world scenarios.” Additionally, the school integrates daily moral education and general knowledge classes, fostering a comprehensive learning environment. “Our goal is to nurture not just academically, but holistically,” emphasizes Beerbal.
COVID-19 and its Impact on Education
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the school, leading to learning loss, staff salary non-payment, dropouts, and student migration. In the face of challenges, the school’s teachers selflessly agreed to work during lockdown, conducting online classes for half their usual wages. Beerbal states, “Our teachers’ dedication during tough times reflects their commitment to our student’s education, even at personal cost.” However, only 10% of students had access to smart devices for these classes.
To support their families, the school took credit from the market to pay teachers’ salaries. Post-reopening, the school prioritized bridging the learning gap through revisions and foundational studies. This approach helped students catch up on their syllabus and learning levels. Despite facing a 30-35% dropout rate during the lockdown, Beerbal assures, “We turned setbacks into opportunities, admitting 89 new students in 6th and 7th standards last year to compensate for losses.”
Partnership with Varthana
In 2019, Beerbal reached out to Varthana as the school committee required assistance in securing a loan for constructing a school building. With Varthana’s aid, they successfully developed the establishment in 2020, marking a pivotal moment for the children living in Mungeli. Having operated from a rented property since 2014, always wanted to stand tall with his own school building. Reflecting on this achievement, he expressed, “The School Committee appreciated Varthana’s support during challenging times, and we’re grateful for the financial assistance they provided to our institution.”
Future Plans
With aspirations to expand to the 12th class and introduce vocational courses like computer literacy, sewing, and cooking, Beerbal is dedicated to delivering affordable, quality education to the children in his village lacking basic facilities. He passionately states, “Our vision is to empower students through education, and expanding our offerings is a testament to this commitment.” Triumphing over challenges, the school leader has reached significant milestones through collective team effort. He concludes, “Success reflects dedication and our shared commitment to rural education.” Looking ahead, the visionary eagerly anticipates a future where his institution can consistently provide quality education and positively impact students’ lives.
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