Sarita Bhoi
Sarita Bhoi is a 16-year-old and the daughter of Jyotish Bhoi, a native of Meghla village, Binka block of Subarnapur district, Odisha. Sarita stays with her parents and one elder sister. The family belongs to the scheduled caste, living in a single-roomed proper house provided through a government scheme. They have half-acre agricultural land and get ten bags of paddy which is not sufficient for their consumption. Her father receives a disability pension of INR 500 per month and 15 kgs of rice through a government scheme. Her parents are daily labourers, and her elder sister had to discontinue education because of their financial condition.
Sarita’s father is affected by Leprosy and was treated with Pauci Bacillary Multi-Drug Therapy in 1992. He had also undergone reconstructive surgery of his right-hand claw fingers at Muniguda 20 years back. His hand condition is fine now, and he is able to do all activities.
Sarita passed her Board examination in March 2019. Due to the poverty and low income of her father, she had to stop further studies. But, Sarita was very interested in higher studies. This came to the notice of LEPRA staff during the discussion. Knowing about her willingness, LEPRA wanted to support Sarita’s higher education.
LEPRA staff requested the Women’s college in Binka to help the girl for admission. Sarita got admission in 11th grade. The college fee and scholastic materials were provided to Sarita.
Sarita may not have got the opportunity of continuing higher studies (like her elder sister) had she not been supported by LEPRA. Sarita wants to become a teacher and help her parents financially. After that, she wants to get married. So far, no girl in her community has earned a government job.
Sarita’s parents are uneducated, but they wanted to provide education to their daughters. They also suffered a lot for their inability to provide education to their daughters. LEPRA Society came forward to support the continuation of education at the right time, for at least one daughter, for which they are very much thankful to LEPRA.