I have always been drawn to the field of education. After a year as a Young India Fellow at Ashoka University, I decided I would take this passion forward. I knew that whatever I did, I could not work a desk job. My work had to give me a sense of satisfaction and pride and I had to feel part of something bigger than myself. Who knew that the English Language would be my way of contributing to the world.

School of Thought – A Year On

When I received an offer from EnglishHelper, I immediately knew it was the job that I wanted. What then began was a year of many ups and downs but most of all, a year full of learning. When I look back now, I can see how much I have grown both as an individual, and as a working professional.

Through the year, I saw our team work towards many smaller goals that all fed into the larger dream of reaching one million students across 5000 schools in India. I saw our team work tirelessly towards meeting targets. During my first year at EnglishHelper, my learning curve was steep. I was involved with product testing, delivery, and finally getting to the front end at schools in Aurangabad and Delhi, observing young learners and teachers. In January 2016, I was in Punjab working with the team and piloting tech enabled assessments with partners – a great exposure for me.

Seeing How the English Language Impacted Lives

I have had the privilege of hearing many stories while visiting schools for EnglishHelper and seen the impact that we are making first-hand. We’ve heard the voices of a class go from hesitant and broken to loud and cheerful in a matter of months.  Children have come to me and tell me about how they are no longer afraid of the English language.

The children now teach their mothers simple English words for household items and make learning a family affair. I have spoken to children who go home and cook, clean, and still make time for their homework. The troublemaker and backbencher now focus and write down new English words in their regional language so they can remember them. I have had children tell me about their dreams and have seen teachers take pride in their students’ achievements.

My Personal Favorite

My favorite story is the time I met Radhe Shyam, a student of class 8 in Rashtriya Vidyalay in Aurangabad. It was one of my first field visits and I was very nervous, yet this little boy tried his best to make me feel at home. He was the only one who raised his hand to answer all the questions I asked to the group. When asked why he thought it was important to learn the English language, he said his dream is to do a PhD in science and become a Scientist. “Didi, all my books for PhD will be in English so I must know it well.”

His teacher Ms. Vandana proudly told us about how he has shown great improvement. She remembers him as a shy student who would sit at the back of the class. However, “Now when there was a special function in the school for Gandhi Jayanti, he gave a speech in English in front of all the students and guests!”

My Learnings From EnglishHelper

Outside the classroom I have played countless games of carom, kho-kho, and football. I have been shown nothing but kindness every time I walk into a school. I am constantly reminded of my privilege and after every conversation I have with a student, I am in awe of their determination to create a better life for themselves.

Their ideas and dreams are too big to be written in my diary, full of energy to be captured in a story or picture. What I got is an insight into their incredible lives and experiences, along with an unshakeable belief in the future that these children will create for us. I am extremely glad that as a team, RightToRead can be a part of their journey. We hope to keep being inspired for many years to come.

– Written by a member of the EnglishHelper Team.

For more information about RightToRead, visit www.englishhelper.com!