Satiben Vaghora's Library

·       "I have not studied, but now I know how to sign a document. That is the change in me!" 

Satiben Vaghora lives in the Ajapar village in the Anjar block of Gujarat's Kutch district. Until a year back she was not aware of the importance of learning and education, but things changed last year. Pratham approached her for implementing a library at her home, and likewise, children assemble at her home every evening and learn together in groups. Vinod, her son, who was in 8th grade then, was asked to lead the group. Satiben was given a role in supervising the proceedings. The year that has passed by has transformed her as well - from a person who had no knowledge of learning levels and its importance, to someone who is now a pivotal figure in conducting the library proceedings. 

"This place is of great importance. Children study here. It is my responsibility to keep it clean", she beams as she shows us the place where the library class takes place. "Everyday I clean this place and spread the mattress. I also arrange two water bottles, and all this before children start the session." Satiben thinks that every child in the village should learn and that is how the village will find a solution to its problems. Satiben also left her laborious job and decided to spend time for children. The first thing that came to her mind was children needing enough space to sit through the two hours of the library session. To achieve this, she cleaned the animal shelter and tied her animals elsewhere in the house. This new place thus became the library!

"Initially Vinod found it difficult to get things done from the children. They were not very cooperative. In those days, I decided to step in. Everything was new, but now children follow all procedures and participate in every activity", she says. Vinod now stays in another village as he is studying in higher grades. But the library continues, thanks to the serious involvement of Satiben. The sentiment of learning that has been created at her home has helped Vinod aim high. He has decided to study till 12th grade and then opt for a proper job instead of doing a laborious job like his parents.

However, Satiben's job does not end there. In case a child remains absent from the library for more than two days, she personally visits his/her house to know the reason behind the absence. Overall, children listen to what she says, and hence their mothers feel that she should guide them ahead. Like Vinod, other children have also begun to share their ambitions with her during the library session. For her, this is a huge accomplishment. And what has she achieved from this experience so far? Has she seen a positive difference? To these questions, she asks us to refer to the very first statement with which this conversation began.

We wish Satiben all the best for her endeavours ahead. 

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