Bulti Hembrom: The Mother Helping a Village Learn Together

How one mother’s determination is opening up learning opportunities for children across rural West Bengal.

In a small village in Birbhum district, West Bengal, most families rely on farming or daily wage work to make a living. Many parents believe their children will follow the same path, with few opportunities to build a different future.

Bulti Hembrom Mardi believes otherwise. A mother of two, Bulti has been part of Pratham since 2016. Her daughter, Trisha, is in primary school, while her son, Subhajit, attends preschool. Like any parent, she wants the best for her children. But she also wants every child in her village to have the chance to learn and thrive. Bulti was the first woman in her village to complete secondary school. She dreamed of continuing her education and finding a job, but like many girls, those ambitions were cut short by early marriage and family responsibilities.

Although her own education ended sooner than she had hoped, her belief in its power never did. So when she discovered Pratham’s work, she saw an opportunity, not just for her own children, but for the entire community.

Learning didn’t stop when schools closed

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close, millions of children across India faced months without classroom learning.

Pratham responded by working directly with families. Parents received simple learning activities through SMS and WhatsApp, with regular phone support from Pratham teams. Mothers were encouraged to form neighbourhood groups where they could learn alongside their children and support one another.

Bulti embraced the idea immediately. She began helping children in her neighbourhood continue learning from home, using the activities and guidance shared by Pratham. Before long, her enthusiasm inspired other mothers to get involved too.

Bringing mothers together

Recognising the difference collective learning could make, Bulti helped establish a mothers’ group in her village. Today, she leads the group, reading through Pratham’s learning materials and messages before sharing them with other parents. She demonstrates activities, answers questions and encourages mothers to spend time learning with their children. Her support has given many parents the confidence to play a more active role in their children’s education, even if they never had that opportunity themselves.

Alongside caring for her family and managing household responsibilities, Bulti continues to make time for the children in her community. She knows that lasting change begins at home, and that when parents are empowered, children benefit.

As Bulti puts it:

“Education is the only tool that can help us keep up with the present time. If we work together, our community will not be left behind.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that creating learning opportunities doesn’t always begin in a classroom. Sometimes, it begins with one determined mother, inspiring an entire community to believe in what education can make possible.

You can help more mothers and learners like Bulti access learning opportunities – donate today to spread the joy of learning.