THIRUCHIRAPALLI, INDIA
Building a new community of Kutti (little) Teachers to uplift those neglected by the society
Their minds abuzz, their eyes lit, they are jotting their learnings to memory and rewriting the archaic rules with which the world views them. These little women create history as they sit around their olden temple, transforming it into a wondrous enlightening place.
Trichy, the geographic centre of Tamil Nadu, is a city bursting with progress. Yet, the rush of urbanisation has not benefited everyone. Like in other parts of India, Independence, Industrialisation, or the Green Revolution have not steered people from the Scheduled Caste, especially the Dalits, towards a better quality of life.
The word Dalit means “broken or scattered”. It was coined by activist Jyotirao Phule in 1873. Bhimrao Ambedkar (considered the architect of the Indian constitution) popularised the term further, uniting this underrepresented community under one umbrella. His vision was to bring attention to their declining conditions and uplift them. But even today, their caste accords them with the lowest status in the social order, resulting in abject poverty plaguing their economic upliftment.
In Trichy, the social reality of the Arunthathiyars is evident from the plight of this Dalit community. The remnants of the caste hierarchy have ghettoised them, isolating them from the sanctums of development and commerce or the reach of broader social aid. Traditionally employed as manual scavengers, they work themselves to the bone doing hard labour or succumb to alcoholism and related vices to withstand the dejections of life. Any refusal to do similar manual jobs leave them vulnerable to a social boycott. The spectre of all they have to survive every day wipes out their dreams for a better future. And in this whirlpool of anguish, their children grow, absorbing the realities of their home and neighbourhood. Their life and possibilities shrink to the size of their community.
Over the years, Capgemini has worked with NGO partners, identifying marginalised or socially backwards communities and driving hope into demographics that have been ostracised. In Bells Ground, home to the largest Dalit community in the city, Capgemini India’s initiatives strive for change. Enlight was born from a collaboration with Aide et Action.
Enlight has enabled girls who are coming from stigmatised backgrounds, marginalised sections who have been socially excluded and are not part of any development discourse, to start dreaming again. To start looking at a future where they are treated with dignity and respect. Enlight is the place where they have the opportunity to grow and bloom, and become someone they have always wanted to be.
During our baseline research with the Capgemini team, we found that there was no conducive employment in many of the families. Adults (mostly parents) are employed in manual labour, and alcoholism is rampant among men and women. Those employed leave for work early morning, leaving their kids with no caretakers. It is then common to find 11-12-year-old girls taking care of their siblings and managing their homes. This increases the school dropout rate and results in early child marriages, especially among girls.
Enlight has become that nascent movement of progress, essential to break the vicious cycle the Dalit communities, that society has long forgotten, are stuck in – one that kickstarts the gentle rhythms of healing with deep and meaningful interventions. Capgemini pegged their hopes on the sheer potential of the girl child, and together with Aide et Action, they have synergised a community, untangling old social constructs to foster hope and positivity amongst them.
The programme’s success lies in its continued focus on the girl child. The programme mentors girl children with an immersive after school programme, which includes education, enhancing their competencies and conducting workshops that build their confidence. It nudges them to break out of their shells. And one of the most endearing facets of this initiative is the advent of the Kutti Teacher (Little Teacher), wherein academically exceptional students tutor younger learners. Each Kutti Teacher guides a group of 3 to 9 students. It is a tremendous opportunity for the Kutti Teachers, giving them a real-world experience of leading and living with a purpose and becoming role models for others to follow.
“Before we started Enlight, many parents were not bothered. They would not know what was happening with their kids when they were at work. Today after 7 years of working closely with the community, we have seen an enormous change. The dropout rate is lower; the parents are more interested in their kid’s education and even volunteer or participate in our workshops and other activities.”
Enlight’s holistic approach involving all stakeholders has created a sustainable development model that slowly shifts the tide and brings hope into this neglected community. As the neighbourhood witnesses bustling, thriving spaces of education, it has built a sense of pride and achievement among the locals to do more for these girls, creating more synergies.
“If not for Enlight, I would have discontinued my education long ago, blaming the people who tried to pull me down. After joining Enlight, I started to enjoy learning. I became a Kutti Teacher and taught others. It gave me confidence and purpose. I became strong, and I am least bothered about people like them. I want to become an advocate and help girls and women who need legal support, especially in my community.”
BELLS GROUND, DHARMANATHAPURAM, WORAIYUR, PUTHUR, KAJAPET, SENGULAM COLONY, GANESHAPURAM
