For some of us who have been associated with JMC for a long time, there is a tremendous sense of satisfaction whenever we see the smiling face of Guddi Rani. She has been in JMC first as a student, since 2006 for five years, and then as a teacher in the library/classroom that caters to children attending primary school. In the period 2013-16, she was the teacher for children in the non-formal education (NFE) classroom. She worked hard to mainstream these children in the formal school system.

Beaming with infectious enthusiasm, Guddi helps the 60 odd children who come in batches to learn to read, write, and do simple math, work on crafts and more than anything else build their confidence.

These children come from nearby Madanpur Khadar, many of them out of school or have never been to school. The library books are borrowed on a regular basis from the AWIC.

Guddi’s diligent work has drawn more and more children to the library and these classes are swelling with eager new students every year. The classes are happy and fun, but Guddi keeps a firm hand on discipline. The chirpy voices die down to a peaceful silence when the teacher decides it is time to read quietly, each sitting in her or his place.

These library students are the future adolescent learners with aspirations to enter college, their passport to earning a livelihood. But now, they are carefree and contented basking in the affection showered by their favourite Guddi ma’am.