A day with an orphan

MFN decided to spend some time with an orphan. After one and a half day journey, we reached the house in a rural village. It was a house made from mud and steel sheet.We saw a girl sitting about 200 meters away from the house looking after the cattle. We went over to her. Initially she seemed to be scared but with the help of her neighbors we were able to communicate with her and later on she became comfortable talking to us. Her name was SitaDangi, 12 years old, staying with her aunt for the last 5 years after her father passed away in a road traffic accident. Her mother lives in India and has visited her only once in the last 5 years. After spending 3 hours with Sita, we could figure out her daily activities.

She studies in class 5 in nearby community school. But before going to school she has to do most of the household work including cooking for the family and feeding the cattle. And after returning from school she has to feed the cattle again and prepare dinner as her aunt has to go farming the whole day. She used to take cattle for grazing when her school is off.

Later on interviewing her aunt, Gauri, we came to know that it was becoming difficult for her to afford school fees, stationery and clothing for Sita because she has to raise her own children as well.

Realizing the entire situation, MFN decided to pay for the school fees and stationery expenses of Sita for the next two years. Now, they are happy as they are ensured of her education.