- by Janie Lee
Manisha is an 18-year-old female from Akola, a city near
Nashik. When Manisha was taking the exam for standard 12, she was not
successful and discontinued her education. Because she did not pass, her
parents were embarrassed and did not allow her out of the house. This meant
that she was no longer able to see friends or pursue any type of career.
Hearing about Manisha’s situation from townspeople, a
Pratham mobilizer decided to visit her home. The mobilizer visited Manisha and
her family to explain the bedside assistance vocational skilling program. The
mobilizer discussed the opportunity for Manisha to take theoretical classes on
basic healthcare and gain practical experience through hands-on work in a local
hospital. By the end of these six months, Manisha would be ready to work in a
hospital alongside nurses and doctors.
Her parents, like many other young girls’ parents, were
reluctant to let her take the bedside assistance course. They did not like the
idea of Manisha working long shifts and coming home after 6 pm, but the
mobilizer continued to discuss the potential benefits and returns of giving
Manisha her independence back. Not only would Manisha be able to gain
employment despite not having passed standard 12, but she would also be
substantially contributing to her family’s income in a respectable environment.
After several back-and-forth conversations, Manisha’s parents finally gave her
permission to start the course.
When Manisha arrived at the Nashik PACE Center to start the
bedside assistance course, she was not used to learning English and being in
class six days a week, especially after having been stuck home for an extended
period of time. However, she enjoyed the material and was diligent about writing
down everything she learned. Through persistent dedication, she was able to
pass the theoretical portion of the course.
(Manisha’s notes from the theoretical portion of her exam)
Recently, Manisha completed the practical portion of the
course and is now preparing to be placed at a local hospital. She looks forward
to taking care of patients and making personal connections with them. Her long-term goal is to gain experience and
knowledge as a bedside assistant and eventually go on to become a nurse. When
Manisha was asked about how she feels about her success, she continuously
expressed her gratitude for the mobilizer who changed her parents’ opinion as
well as her life.
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