Changing Lives
Through Education

The Banjara community in Ramanthapur Thanda faced difficulty in learning at school due to language constraints. To unlock these students' full capabilities, the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation introduced a Vidya Volunteer from the local community to the GMRVF-supported government school. This significantly improved the students' academic progress. With GMRVF's assistance, Chitti thrived academically, earning her a place in the state-run Gurukul school.

At the GMRVF-supported government, school in Ramanthapur Thanda near GMR Pochanpalli Expressways Ltd., language barriers between the native Banjara-speaking students and their teacher’s impaired learning. To bridge this gap, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation introduced a local Vidya Volunteer. Children started improving in academics and Chitti excelled in her education.

Chitti’s father needs special care due to his ill mental health, so the family majorly depends on her mother who sells firewood, gourds and melons collected from the nearby forest. Her mother dreams of providing good education to all her children but due to financial strains, she was not able to send them to a school with good pedagogy.

Recognizing Chitti's potential, the Foundation supported her and others to take the State-run Gurukul school admission test, providing study materials and coaching. Chitti excelled, becoming the first girl from her village to enter this prestigious school, now in Std. VIII, and inspiring 30 more students from Thanda to follow suit over two years.

Chitti's mother says, "Seeing my daughter speak English like the officers in town makes me happy. One day, Chitti will become an officer too."

Despite being one of the brightest students in her class, Pravallika was compelled to discontinue her studies due to her family's financial difficulties. GMRVF mentors arranged special classes for her besides providing necessary books to prepare for the NMMS test. Her unwavering determination and relentless efforts enabled her to pass the eligibility test and secure the scholarship.

Tompala Pravallika, an exceptional student from an underprivileged family in Shalipeta village near Rajam, had to abandon her education due to financial constraints. Her determination caught the attention of the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, who suggested she apply for the National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) - a centrally sponsored scholarship for government school children. The scheme offers selected candidates Rs. 48,000 in scholarships over four years at Rs. 12,000/- per annum

With the support of the Vidya Volunteer and special coaching classes from GMRVF, Pravallika successfully obtained the scholarship. She is now pursuing Std. X at ZP High School, Mandarada, bringing joy and hope to her family.

GMRVF has been encouraging students in government schools in the project villages around Rajam to apply for NMMS, providing special classes and resources for preparation. The Foundation also aids youth in preparing for various competitive exams across India.