Breaking the Chains: How Education is Reshaping Childhood in Kotri

In the salt flats of Rajasthan’s Kotri region, childhood often means labor. From dawn till mid-afternoon, children as young as six toil in factories, breaking logs and working at salt mines just to make ends meet. After a day of backbreaking work, they return to ragged tents by the mines, lacking clean water, electricity, and any semblance of safety. For a long time, this harsh reality seemed inevitable - until someone dared to dream of change. Tejaram Mali and his team at the Manthan Foundation, documented beautifully by Heena Khanna , stepped up with a vision to transform children's lives through education, leadership, and access to basic necessities like clean water.

In Aaoo village, where child labor is a stark reality, Manthan’s Fellowship is a beacon of hope. When these children come home exhausted, they’re welcomed by young women, or "Didis," at community night schools. These Fellows, girls aged 18 to 24, create safe spaces for children to express themselves and engage in literacy-based games, teaching foundational skills and bridging learning gaps.

"The impact doesn’t stop with education. These Fellows are breaking gender norms and inspiring their communities, empowering local women with financial literacy, access to government schemes, and livelihood opportunities," says Heena.

If you believe in the power of local leadership and want to drive change in regions like Kotri, TFIx is now accepting applications for the 2025 cohort. Join us in cultivating the next generation of leaders who will transform lives and communities from within.?        

Application Link: https://www.tfaforms.com/5068385

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