Shailendra’s journey of becoming a change maker

Shailendra has just passed his class 10th exam. All of his siblings are enrolled in schools as well. He is one of the oldest CLAY fellows. He was already married when CSEI found him in the community as a potential Clay fellow. Once a shy boy, Shailendra can now confidently talk to everyone and has become a responsible person. He also got an opportunity to attend an event in Chandigarh where students from all over the world came to share their culture. Shailendra tells us that his parents taught him to write alphabets in Hindi. He rightly proclaims that if the parents are educated they will always encourage their children to get educated as well.

Shailendra with the help of his friends and other children from the community constructed a CLAY learning centre at Gosaimath. He understands that it is important for children to be aware of and understand the importance of education.

However, Shailendra’s work is not always smooth and easy to carry out. He faces numerous challenges from the community. Sometimes people do not cooperate and interfere a lot because of which the turnout of kids coming tothe centre gets affected. Shailendra is trying hardto get as many kids as possible to his centre so thathe can teach them for their own good.On 2nd October 2016 Shailendraparticipated in the AamSabha(community meeting organised by the government) where the Sub divisional officer along with other Block level development officials were present. Shailendra influenced the audience speaking of his contribution in educating Musaharchildren in the area and the similar practices being carried out by other CLAY fellows. The Sub divisional officer not only appreciated his efforts but also announced to give Shailendra a change maker certificate in front of hundreds of people.

Shailendra knew that he had the strength to inspire, motivate and be an actor of change. All he needed was a little self-belief and once he did that, there was no stopping him!