This is the Story of Kajal, an adolescent girl of Durgapur Gram Panchayat of Brijmanganj block in Maharajganj district. Durgapur is a village surrounded by forest. Most families in the village are economically disadvantaged and depend on agricultural labour to support their family livelihoods. Women often collect firewood from the forest to contribute their families' income and household needs.
Kajal, a Class 9 student, was one of them.
Although Kajal was enrolled at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Inter College, Bargahpur, she was not attending school. She lacked interest in education and was hesitant to interact with others. Most importantly, she lacked the confidence to express herself.
Kajal’s journey began when Sandhya from Key Light Foundation visited her village and invited adolescent girls to join a group.
Kajal decided to participate.
Through regular group meetings, the girls began discussing education, health, gender-based violence, discrimination, and other issues affecting their lives. These conversations created a safe space where girls could learn, ask questions, and gradually build confidence.
Soon, Kajal was invited to attend a training programme.
She was nervous.
“I was afraid to go for the training, but I also wanted to participate. I talked to my parents, and they encouraged me to go.”
At the training, Kajal initially found it difficult to speak. Other girls were actively participating in discussions and games, while she remained hesitant.
She feared that others might laugh at her if she said something wrong.
The training included discussions on education, mobile phones, and the digital world. For Kajal, these conversations became a turning point.
She began to understand that education was not simply about going to school—it was a key to gaining knowledge, confidence, independence, and opportunities.
“During the training, I realised how important education is in today’s world. We need education at every step of our lives.”
When Kajal returned home, she shared what she had learned with her parents.
Then she surprised her mother by saying:
“Mummy, I want to go to school from tomorrow.”
Her mother was astonished. She had encouraged Kajal to attend school many times before, but Kajal had never been willing to go.
After listening to everything Kajal had learned during the training, her mother supported her decision.
“Daughter, you should go to school every day. I am with you.”
For Kajal, this was more than permission to attend school. It was the beginning of a new chapter.
Today, Kajal attends school regularly and continues her Class 9 studies. The girl who once hesitated to speak in front of others now feels confident communicating with people.
Her dream has also become clearer.
“I want to become a teacher. I want to help other adolescent girls like me.”
Kajal believes that the opportunity to participate in the training helped her overcome her fear and discover her own potential.
“The training helped me overcome my fear. Now I am not afraid to talk to anyone.”
Kajal’s story demonstrates how a safe space, peer support, training, and encouragement can help an adolescent girl build confidence and make positive decisions about her future.
With the support of Key Light Foundation, Kajal took a small but powerful step—from hesitation to confidence, from staying away from school to attending regularly, and from uncertainty to a clear dream of becoming a teacher.
Her journey is a reminder that when girls are given the opportunity to learn, speak, and participate, they can begin to shape their own futures.
Kajal’s story is one story—but there are many more girls who need a safe space, encouragement, education, and someone who believes in their potential.
Together, we can help more adolescent girls stay in school, build confidence, understand their rights, and create brighter futures.