How Satyam found his way back to school with CRY UK

In the remote villages of Lakhimpur district in Uttar Pradesh, education is often the first compromise families make when survival is at stake. Poverty, low awareness, and limited access to nearby schools create barriers that often push children out of schools. For many children, dropping out is not a choice but a circumstance.

Satyam’s story begins here.

At 15, Satyam dropped out after completing Grade 8. He comes from a family of five, where his father, the sole breadwinner earns a modest daily wage that is barely enough to meet the household’s basic needs. Alongside financial stress, Satyam had been struggling academically and needed additional support that his family could not afford. Over time, it affected his confidence and motivation, leading him to discontinue school.

With your generous and timely support to CRY UK, Project AIM team helped him return to education through the following steps:

• Identification and home visit: After noticing Satyam’s absence at the start of the new school session, the team visited his home and learned that he had dropped out. They patiently listened to the challenges that had become barriers to his continuing education.
• Counselling and family engagement: The team counselled both Satyam and his family on the importance of education and the long-term impact of staying in school. They also reassured the family that the necessary academic support would be made accessible, helping address their immediate concerns.
• Remedial education support: With consistent follow-ups, their mindset began to shift, and the assurance came as a relief, allowing them to support Satyam’s return to education. He was enrolled in CRY’s Child Activity Center (CAC), where he received remedial education to bridge his learning gaps. This support helped him gradually catch up with his studies and rebuild his confidence.

• Academic monitoring and progress tracking: Through continuous academic monitoring by CAC facilitators, personalised learning plans, consistent support, and regular assessments over 10 months, Satyam progressed from Grade D to Grade A.
• Life skills and confidence building: Alongside academics, Satyam also participated in CRY’s Life Skills sessions conducted by the project team, which helped him rebuild his self-esteem and re-engage his interest in learning.These sessions played a key role in helping him develop a sense of self, express himself more confidently, and form his own opinions.
• Re-enrolment into school: Once he was ready, the team facilitated his re-enrolment into Grade 9. Today, Satyam is determined to complete his education. He has also begun encouraging other children in his community to stay in school, extending the impact of his own journey.

"We are thankful for the support from the CAC and CRY UK team. Without their help, Satyam would not have been able to continue his education." said Satyam’s parents.

Conclusion

While we have helped many children reach school, including Satyam, hundreds are still awaiting one opportunity at education. Your support to CRY UK can help us restore their childhoods and create pathways to a better future!