#IAmPratham: Lifelong learner Nirmala shares the impact she makes everyday as a Community Instructor Mobiliser in Vadodara

Nirmala has been a lifelong learner. After working in a school in Vadodara, occasionally sitting in the classrooms and absorbing lessons, she knew she wanted to be a part of changing the landscape of learning for children in India.

After joining Pratham in 2015 as a Community Instructor Mobiliser, she has done exactly that and never looked back! Today, Nirmala conducts learning camps, holds Mothers’ Group meetings, and runs children’s clubs in her community.

Despite facing personal health challenges, her energy and infectious positivity remain the same! Wearing multiple hats as an instructor, community worker, and a mother, Nirmala shows what can be achieved with hard work, dedication and a genuine love for what you do.

And that’s why she is a Pratham hero.

In the narrow lanes of Ram Nagar, Nirmala is seen as a friend and confidant. Working with children on different educational projects that address their challenges and solve problems. Whilst at the same time helping mothers to support their child’s learning, especially those that are not ready to send their children to school yet.

“We don’t leave any mothers behind. Even those that are not ready to participate or are facing problems at home. We follow up with them and make repeated efforts. Now when I visit the mothers themselves ask when the next meeting is. We make them aware that a mother is a child’s first teacher.”

Part of Nirmala’s work supports Hamara Gaon which is Pratham’s flagship programme for children’s education. Community Instructor Mobilisers like her work tirelessly with communities to improve learning outcomes.

Working directly with children and families, schools and communities, the programme reaches more than 3,86,000 children every year.

Watch Nirmala’s, “Day in the Life of a Pratham Hero” below to learn more about Pratham’s work and how our heroes behind the scenes are changing the lives of countless children.

Your support can pave the way for more children like those in Nirmala’s care to experience the transformative power of learning. By making a donation to Pratham today, you’ll enable us to reach even more children and young people with life-changing learning programmes like Hamara Gaon.

Make your donation today and change a child’s life!