Dulari’s Story
Unable to read and left widowed by an alcoholic husband who died of malaria, Dulari is a young woman in a small village in India. Her story wasn’t unlike many others—she was dependent on her husband, he fell ill and could not seek proper medical attention, and he died leaving her to take care of their two children. But because she cannot read, Dulari’s work was restricted and, therefore, her income was limited. She worked hard for her family and was able to make a meager living by selling materials from the forest. She managed to provide for herself and her children, but the work was exhausting and endless.
Soon and suddenly, Dulari too fell ill with malaria. This meant that she could not work and could not earn money for her family, debilitating their resources and opportunities even further. In an effort to find relief both medically and financially, she sought out help from a local doctor, practicing black magic.
However, the local literacy teacher heard about Dulari and sought her out. He was able to provide Dulari with sufficient medical assistance, and Dulari regained her strength and health. Once she was better and able to stabilize her family again, the literacy teacher invited Dulari to attend literacy classes. It was due to the love and kindness extended by the teacher that Dulari agreed to attend.
Since beginning classes, Dulari has learned to read, write, and do some math! Dulari is an active listener and great questioner—always wanting to know more and increase her knowledge of the stories she hears in class. Her confidence grows through the questioning and she faces unknown and hard answers with tenacity and boldness. Dulari now leads her family with a newfound confidence, and she is training up her children in the ways that she is learning in class.
Names and images have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
