“As I grew up, I lost everything I loved, bit by bit”, says Rajesh Khillo, an Adivasi adolescent boy from Kandh Antalguda village of Khairput Gram Panchayat when he was in discussion with the Community Mobiliser of CYSD for that particular GP under Khairput block.  He expressed how his hard work and ability to tackle situations calmly, helped him throughout life.

Rajesh lost his mother at the very tender age owing to mental retardation. He lost his father too, around when he was in secondary school. He had to lead an orphaned life, since his early adolescence and had to live with his paternal uncle. Rajesh’s life worsened when he had to discontinue the school from 8th Standard due to continuous engagement in household chores. A satiated appetite and a stress free sleep were the only things that became his utmost desire. He had to work for hours as a labourer to earn his two square of meals a day. He started underperforming in class owing to continuous absence.   During a dropout counseling program he was identified and supported by CYSD Programe team to go back to the school. After 2 years of long gap in education he was readmitted in 8th Standard with the help of Community Mobiliser of Khairput in 2018. Continuous counseling and support of education materials ignited his interest and made him alive in education. This year, Rajesh successfully completed his High School Certificate Examination.

Rajesh is a very hard working boy.  He was simultaneously studying and working as daily wage earner to bear his own educational expenses. Soon after completion of matriculation examination, he never stopped himself to work as a daily labourer. Even during the COVID-19 lock down period he has worked in agriculture field and supported his uncle financially. Fortunately, Rajesh could become a Community Volunteer to spread the message on how to fight against coronavirus and lend major supporting hand for conducting awareness campaigns in the locality. “I am really grateful to CYSD for bringing back my life in track and offering me a chance to serve the people during this pandemic”, says Rajesh delightedly.

Now Rajesh has planned to get admission in a suitable college, complete higher education, stand by his own and support orphan children like him to become self-dependent. Gradually his struggle comes to an end, thus, it can be said “the saddest people smile the brightest”.