Unlike most children her age, Lavanya from Medak, Telangana, loves Math and solving complex problems. Currently in Grade 11, she aspires to become a software engineer. She lives with her parents, who work as agricultural labourers, and her elder sister, who is in her first year of college.

Lavanya wasn’t always this comfortable with Math. In fact, she feared the subject. When she was in Grade 5, she struggled to solve basic arithmetic problems and could barely read words. However, when Pratham introduced Learning Camps in her village school in 2018, she started participating actively. Pratham’s work in communities has shown evidence that even within a short period, community members, especially local youth volunteers, can provide strong support to younger children in achieving foundational literacy and numeracy skills. At the camp, Lavanya developed an interest in learning through engaging language and math games, as well as activities like using bundles and sticks and creating mind maps. By the end of the camp, she could read and write confidently and solve word problems in math. This progress helped her gain admission to state-run Model Schools.

Lavanya also joined a Pratham-run children’s club, where group learning activities helped her build confidence and acquire new skills. Her mother supported the group by organising fun games and activities. Lavanya remained part of the club until Grade 8. Later, she became a volunteer, helping younger children learn through engaging activities. She even completed various courses offered by Pratham on topics like menstrual hygiene, digital literacy, and first aid.

Lavanya believes that the Learning Camp in Grade 5 was a turning point in her life. It gave her confidence, showed her that learning can be fun, and motivated her to set goals for her future.