At just 13 years old, Ramesh had never stepped into a classroom. Instead, his days began at dawn, working long hours in a roadside eatery in rural Odisha. His small hands washed dishes, carried heavy buckets, and served customers for meager wages that barely supported his family’s survival.
For Ramesh, childhood was not about play, learning, or dreams — it was about endless labor and sacrifice.
The Turning Point
When PJS field workers first met Ramesh, they noticed his frail health and exhaustion. After weeks of patient dialogue with his parents, who were deeply burdened by poverty, PJS convinced them that education could open new doors for Ramesh and still provide opportunities for the family to survive.
Through our Child Protection and Education Initiative, Ramesh was rescued from labor and enrolled in a local school. PJS provided school supplies, nutritional support, and mentorship, ensuring that he would not drop out again.
The Struggles Along the Way
The journey wasn’t simple. His family often worried about the loss of income, and Ramesh struggled to adjust in classrooms filled with younger students. There were days when he felt left behind and questioned whether he belonged.
But with the help of peer groups, supportive teachers, and PJS mentors, Ramesh slowly began to thrive. He discovered a love for science, particularly experiments that explained the world around him — things he had only observed from the sidelines before.
A New Beginning
Today, Ramesh is not only studying in Grade 7 but also dreaming of becoming an engineer. His laughter echoes in the playground, his notebooks are filled with ambition, and his family — once skeptical — now proudly supports his journey.
Why This Story Matters
Ramesh’s transformation is more than just one child’s success. It is a reminder that:
- Childhood should never be spent in labor.
- With the right support, every child can dream and achieve.
- Communities can break free from the cycle of poverty when they invest in education.
Despite financial hardships and limited resources, PJS continues to fight child labor across Odisha — one child, one family, and one community at a time.
Because behind every rescued child like Ramesh lies a story of resilience, hope, and possibility.
➡️ Join us in our mission to end child labor and give children like Ramesh the future they deserve.
