Jabaaz Kishori Project - Sunbeam School Ballia

Three-Day Field Experience-Based Research Report & Action Plan

Intern Name: Akanksha Rai

Role: Research Intern

Project: Jabaaz Kishori

Duration: Three Days

 

1. Introduction

 

Jabaaz Kishori is a community-based project focused on understanding the challenges faced by adolescent girls in rural areas and working towards their empowerment. As a research intern, I participated in field visits across multiple villages over three days. The purpose of this report is to document the issues shared by the girls and propose an action plan based on real observations and interactions.

 

2. Day-wise Field Observations

 

Day 1: Lalwala Majbata Village

● Girls were not continuing their education after a certain level.

        

Major reasons identified:

● Family pressure

● Lack of awareness about education, career options, and independence

● Girls were unaware of ways to become financially and socially independent.

 

Day 2: Village Visits

Village 1

● Girls expressed the need for a community activity center.

    

Purpose of the center:

● Weekly group meetings

● Skill development activities such as sewing and drawing

● Group study and creative learning

● This showed a strong interest in collective growth.

 

Village 2: Government School (Classes 7th & 8th)

● Girls requested more opportunities for sports.

● Limited sports facilities and encouragement were observed.

 

Village 3 (Near Hillwood Academy)

This village faced several serious issues:

● Healthcare Problems

● Lack of clean drinking water.

● High number of kidney stone cases and other water-related diseases.

● Absence of good doctors and preventive healthcare services.

● Many villagers believed these health problems could not be solved.

Infrastructure Problems

● No pakka roads.

● Difficulty in travelling for:

1. Medical emergencies

2. Education

● This resulted in students not studying further.

● Menstrual Health Issues

● Many girls reported irregular menstrual cycles (after 3–4 months).

● Lack of medical guidance and awareness.

● Girls requested affordable medical treatment and health support.

 

Day 3: Village Visits

Village 1

● Girls stated that there were no major problems.

● However, hesitation was observed, indicating a lack of trust and need for longer engagement.

 

Village 2

● Similar issues of kidney stones due to water quality.

● No schools available after class 10th.

● Girls have to travel long distances for education.

● A suggestion was made to provide bicycles to support continued education.

 

3. Proposed Action Plan (Priority-wise)

 

Step 1: Affordable and Accessible Healthcare (Main Priority)

● Provide clean and safe drinking water facilities.

● Organize regular health camps with qualified doctors.

Focus on:

1. Kidney health

2. Preventive healthcare

3. Adolescent and menstrual health awareness

4. Ensure low-cost or free medical consultations and medicines.

 

Step 2: Road and Transport Facilities

● Construction of pakka roads connecting villages.

Improved access for:

1. Emergency healthcare

2. Schools and colleges

3. Provide bicycles to girls for easier travel to schools.

 

Step 3: Education Till Class 12

● Establish government schools up to class 12 in every village or nearby areas.

● Improve infrastructure in existing schools.

● Encourage continuation of education for girls.

 

Step 4: Motivation and Awareness

● Conduct motivation and counselling sessions.

● Career awareness programs.

● Encourage girls to dream of independence and a better future.

● Promote confidence and leadership skills.

 

Step 5: Safety, Legal Awareness, and Child Marriage Prevention

● Awareness about women and child helpline numbers.

● Encourage girls to seek help if they feel unsafe or forced into decisions.

● Strict action against child marriage with police and local authority support.

 

Step 6: Community and Skill Development Centres

● Establish centres for girls to meet weekly.

Activities to include:

1. Skill development

2. Sports

3. Fitness, yoga, and wellness sessions

4. Create safe spaces for sharing and learning.

 

4. Conclusion

 

The three-day field experience under the Jabaaz Kishori project highlighted serious challenges related to healthcare, education, infrastructure, and awareness. Addressing these issues through affordable healthcare, better roads, quality education, and motivation can help create a healthier, educated, and empowered generation of girls.

Find out more about the project at: Jaabaaz Kishori by Learning Forward India Foundation

Setbacks: The guiding path towards success - Rishona Chopra

Sometimes the setbacks are exactly what we need, to rise higher than the rest. These setbacks push us back and let us down but to win a good race, you need to take a few steps back, so that you win with full force. 

It’s so often in life that we don’t get what we wished for, but that’s okay right? At that point, we may not always spot the silver lining but just like every cloud has a silver lining, every disappointment has a profound positive aspect to it that seems invisible but it’s always there, we just need to look deeper and find it.  

It sounds so cliche and shallow when people say that everything happens for a reason. When you’re down in the dumps, the last thing you want someone to tell you is that it all happened for a good reason. It doesn’t feel true at that time. But maybe, they’re right. Maybe everything does happen in life for a reason and perhaps setbacks and challenges are exactly what we need for a brighter future. How can one ever face life if they’ve never truly felt how disappointment feels? How can someone reach for the stars if they’ve never really faced any challenge in life? 

Time is precious. Each second is a blessing. Why spend that time wondering what could have been? It’s easier said than done ofcourse, but nevertheless it's the truth. The cold truth is, we don’t always get what we deserve, we don’t always get what we want, but life doesn’t wait for that. What matters more than the unchosen path is the one you’re on right now. 

Challenges make us stronger. I’ve heard that plenty of times but today I feel it. If you’ve never failed an exam, you’ll never know how important it truly is to pass. If a bird never leaves its nest, despite knowing it could fall, how would it ever sail through the clouds? It feels right now as if life couldn’t be worse, it feels disappointing. It feels as if your heart could break into a million pieces. But it won’t. It won’t because you and I, we know the secret of life. That the only way to move forward is to take a step back.

Rishona Chopra 
Grade IX 
Gyanshree School

My Good School on Sunday 25th Aug 2025 - AI Generated Notes

 AI Generated Summary, read with caution and E.&.O.E.

Jugjiv and Sandeep introduced a new book, "My Name is Cinnamon," by Vikas Prakash Joshi. The book tells the story of a young boy's quest to find his biological parents. Jugjiv shared the author's background, highlighting his successful writing career and numerous awards.

Discussing 'The Word From the Author' by Vikas Joshi

Jugjiv led a discussion about the book "The Word from the Author" by Vikas Joshi, with Manisha reading the "Word from the Author" section. The group also included RP Sir, the chairman of Learning Forward India, Sandeep, the founder, and Manisha, the Principal. Jugjiv structured the discussion to alternate between reading the book, asking questions, and reading again. Vikas shared his writing journey, stating that writing was part of his identity, not a compulsion or ambition. The group also learned about Vikas's challenges in publishing his book.

Book Reading and Character Introduction

Jugjiv introduced the book's theme, emphasising the author's intent to reflect the reader's experience and offer a glimpse into other worlds. Vikas Prakash then began reading from the book, starting with the introduction and continuing into chapter one. The reading focused on the main character, Cinnamon, and his experiences as a goalkeeper in a school football championship. The narrative was filled with details that evoked a sense of excitement and tension, culminating in Cinnamon's crucial penalty kick.

Cinnamon's Story: Adopted Child's Achievements and Dreams

Vikas Prakash narrated a story about Cinnamon, an adopted child who loved sports and cinema. Cinnamon's parents, Ma and Baba, were proud of their son's achievements, and they celebrated his success as if he were their biological child. The story also touched on Cinnamon's dream of becoming an Indian football player and winning the World Cup. The chapter ended with Cinnamon receiving a giant fruit instead of a chocolate bar to reward his performance.

Vikas Prakash's Book Reading and Writing Inspiration

Vikas Prakash read the first chapter of his book, "Cinnamon," in front of an audience that included students and teachers. Rajinder, a schoolteacher, praised Vikas' writing and encouraged students to start writing at a young age, citing famous writers who began writing in school. Vikas explained that "Cinnamon" was inspired by his childhood love for reading and his teacher's insistence on correct pronunciation. He also shared that his own life experiences heavily influenced the plot of his book and that the advice of a more experienced writer led him to write about his unique experiences in his first book. Yashraj and Jugjiv listened to his story and reflected on their own experiences, and Vikas emphasised that his book fills a gap in the market for children's books in India.

The Boy Who Grew Up" Book Discussion

Vikas Prakash introduced his new children's book, "The Boy Who Grew Up", which explores themes of adoption, identity, and self-discovery through a humorous and engaging story. He intended to impart positive values to children while tackling serious topics. When asked about the key messages he wanted children to take away from the book, Vikas emphasised the importance of not making assumptions based on initial behaviour and not limiting oneself based on past experiences or mindsets. He also revealed his writing approach, which involves starting with a general idea and allowing the story to unfold as he writes, discovering new elements.

Creating Characters and Overcoming Rejection

Vikas Prakash discussed the process of creating characters for his book, emphasising the importance of making them realistic and relatable. He also shared his experience of rejection from publishers, which he described as a standard and expected part of the writing process. Shubhangi asked about the title of his book, which was initially rejected by publishers but is now being translated into six languages. Manisha asked about the most challenging chapters to write, and Vikas identified two chapters at the end of the book as particularly difficult.

Vikas Prakash's Child Adoption Journey and Writing Process Vikas Prakash shared the emotional challenges he faced while writing about a child's adoption journey, highlighting the complex relationships involved. He revealed that his motivation for writing the book was a childhood dream and a desire to share the story inside him despite the pandemic's challenges. The initial draft took a few months, but reworking and making changes based on publisher feedback took around 6-9 months, totalling 1-1.5 years. The team expressed their gratitude towards Vikas Prakash for his time and insights, and RP emphasised the importance of broadening one's perspective through travel and meeting people from different backgrounds.

Reading the Chapter Street Kids

Challenges in Urban Tree Growth and Care

The discussion centred around the challenges trees face, particularly those planted in urban environments. The speaker highlighted how trees in parks, often not native to the area, struggle to grow in urbanisation's harsh conditions, including compacted soil, lack of open space, and constant human interference. The speaker also noted how the mechanical process of planting and maintaining trees, such as pruning roots, can negatively impact their growth and health. The discussion underscored the need for a more nurturing and supportive approach to tree care and maintenance.

Urban Tree Growth and Maintenance

The speaker discussed the growth and maintenance of trees, using redwoods as an example. They highlighted the contrast between the natural development of old-growth forests and the managed growth of urban trees. The speaker noted that urban trees often suffer from over-pruning, leading to fungal infections and stunted growth. They also pointed out that the compacted soil and restricted growth on the roadside make it challenging for urban trees to thrive. The speaker emphasised the need for a more natural approach to tree care to allow them to grow and develop properly.

Urban Trees and the Challenges They Face

Learning discussed the plight of trees in urban areas, highlighting the challenges they face due to limited space and human interference. The discussion focused on how trees' roots often grow into underground pipes, causing blockages and damage and how this can lead to trees being cut down due to their intrusion. Learning also shared an extensive study by Rohr University that found trees were attracted to loose soil, not extra nutrients, which often led to them growing into pipes. Jugjiv confirmed that he had seen trees growing into concrete in his multi-story condo, and Manisha was asked to reflect on why trees fall. Learning encouraged the team to share pictures and stories of trees affected by urbanisation to raise awareness of this issue.

Urban Trees and Their Stressors

Learning discussed the harsh conditions urban trees face, including the urban microlight climate, heat from asphalt and concrete, and pollution from exhaust fumes and salt. These factors cause stress to the trees, leading to premature death. The oak processionary, a rare species, has become a pest due to the attractive conditions of urban environments. However, trees of the same species planted in rows can communicate and support each other, offering a small consolation. Learning emphasised the need for reflection on the life of a tree in the city and the challenges it faces.

Book Reflections and Group Communication

The group discussed various topics, including a reflection on the book The Hidden Life of Trees and its similarities with Cinnamon. They also discussed the process of writing reflections and how to submit them. Manisha, the facilitator, encouraged everyone to share their takeaways from the book and to write their reflections, which would then be published on the blog. The group also discussed the use of a shared whiteboard for brainstorming and the importance of communication within the group.

AI-generated content.

Please excuse our addressing all participants by first names. This is not intentional, and AI is not good at showing respect and emotions yet. You may discover inadvertent errors. Please do excuse us.

The forge of life - Saikiran Sahu

                                                      Illustrated by Christian Espinosa

In the forge of life, we're tested, tried,

Through every hardship, we abide.

Though storms and thunder may 

rage and winds may blow,

Our strength within begins to show.

With every stumble and every fall,

We rise again; we stand tall.

Each challenge faced, each fear unchained,

Our resilience is surely gained.

From struggles faced and fights won,

Our endeavour's just begun.

With every stride, we grow stronger yet,

In the face of adversity, we'll never forget.

Because our motive is to rise, conquer, endure,

And become stronger evermore. 

                                                                                                      -Saikiran Sahu XC

My Takeaway from the session with Amardeep Singh at Sunday School - Arfa Khan

Photo from Lost Heritage Productions website

We had a lovely meet and greet with Mr Amardeep Singh in the session on December 24. It was very informative, and we learned a lot from him. Following are my takeaways:

• Listen to articulate; listening first lets you organise your thoughts and speak fluently.
• If your dreams will be easy, walk away from them. Dreams are meant to have challenges, and we must endeavour to achieve them.
• Prepare yourself before chasing your dream; take the first step, and the energy will automatically shape the next ten.
• Ensure you are so good at your work that you’re too hard to ignore.
• Don’t follow your passion; create it.
• Don’t chase recognition; if you pursue recognition, you exercise self-gratification. If your work is good, recognition will automatically follow.
• There’s no true friendship other than you and yourself; you will accompany yourself through your most challenging times.

It was an extraordinary session with so much to take back. Thank you, Sir, for giving us your time!

Arfa Khan 8-A

Ahlcon Public school

Marta Vieira da Silva - Sakshi Jain (Journalist)

Marta Vieira da Silva

One inspiring female football player who has left an indelible mark on the sport is Marta Vieira da Silva, commonly known as Marta. Hailing from Brazil, Marta's exceptional talent and dedication have not only earned her numerous accolades such as FIFA World Player of the Year (first win) in 2006 and subsequent victories in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, Olympic Silver Medal (2004), Golden Ball at FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship, UEFA Women's Champions League and many more. 

Marta's journey to becoming one of the greatest female football players is marked by resilience and determination. Despite facing challenges and stereotypes associated with women in sports, she persevered, showcasing unparalleled skills on the field. Marta's commitment to her craft has not only shattered gender barriers but has also redefined the possibilities for women in football.

Moreover, Marta's leadership both on and off the field serves as a beacon of empowerment. She actively advocates for gender equality in sports, using her platform to address issues such as equal pay and opportunities for female athletes. Marta's commitment to social causes amplifies her impact, making her not just a football icon but a symbol of positive change.

~Sakshi Jain (Journalism Club)

We don't even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward

Image  used for representation only, from Inc.com

I deeply appreciate the fact and truly believe that people do not know about the true strength they possess until they faces a challenges or an obstacles in their path. It is during this challenges that they force themselves to show the capacity or strength, even they do not know about and it possessed within them.

Taking an example from the Hindu mythology, Hanuman, who is believed to have been the incarnation of Lord Shiva possessed such immense power that he could swallow the sun at one go. But the fact was that he did not know that he possessed such immense power until he was forced to show his true strength which laid unknown within him.

Pasang Shepa

Pestalozzi Children's Village India

I am responsible for - Tenzin Jambey

As we grow older and older, responsibility and jobs come on our shoulders. Responsibility is not easy to handle.  Along with responsibility, risk also comes. The day will come for every person when they must take greater responsibility. I  believe that we should only do such actions for which we can take responsibility. 

I have many responsibilities upon me, but my most significant responsibility is to study and do well in other activities and to develop myself to become a better version of myself. With time am also getting older and now I can take many responsibilities and I can look after myself when I am traveling and I can make my own decision for the betterment of myself. 

Tenzin Jambey

Pestalozzi Children’s Village India

Reflections on how am I getting ready to face the world?

"Preparation is an essential thing to face the world. Everybody is preparing for their future. Without preparation, no one gets success in their life. We all need courage, confidence and calm when problems arise to face them. I am building my confidence, interacting with many people, being brave, exploring new things and having new experiences. I am also trying my best to be calm and understanding which is very important." -  Shristi Khulal.

"Every person in the world needs to face something until their death, whether it is easy or hard for them to face through life. I'm getting ready to face the world by targeting my weakness and studying to improve them, but if I need to face something, I am willing to face it. I'm scared about the future, but I will try my best to overcome this and focus on my studies. After completing my study and I will search for a job, or I will find a way to make money. After earning money, I will full fill my parent's dream even though I want to help orphan people." - Mankumari Rai.

"We all live in a selfish world in which everyone needs to prepare to face difficulties in life. As for me,  I am still unsure about the world outside there because I am living in a well-protected environment where I have no difficulty. Here all the necessary facilities have been provided to me. And I am very grateful for it. I have been trying to be brave, so I cannot be beaten by anyone in the future. How to be strong enough to face the difficulties which will come up in the future? I am trying to learn it from my seniors and staff, who have already been through many life difficulties. From there, I can not make any mistakes; I have to face challenges." - Monika Singh Pundir.

"Everything changes with time, so we also need to change ourselves to be able to face the world. I am also getting ready to face the world by managing my time correctly, being polite and humble with others and, most importantly, being self-confident enough to speak for myself." - Jeni Sherpa.

"I am still not ready to face the world as I have not been that confident in front of many people. But if I am ready to face the world, I will have to become brave, stronger and confident to speak in front of the world. It will become easy for me if I am not shy or become an open person. I can face the world easily."- Manisha Rana