This is the story of 14 year old Aarti Besra, studying in class VIII. She is a resident of Banihathi Village, Panchayat- Dhanway. She is commended for her courage and determination to overcome her challenge and continue her education in Model School in Saraiyahat block with same standards as Kendriya Vidyalaya.

Aarti’s father is the sole earner for her family. His occupation is farming. Aarti’s story begins here, her elder sister was married off at the young age of 16. She could’t save the sancity of marriage and had eloped with another man thereafter. To compensate for the loss, Aarti was forcibly married to her brother in law by her father’s consent. The matter was later taken up by the police and cordially the matter was sorted and the marriage was considered null and void.

Today in a new light, Aarti is continuing her education from Model Schools run in Educationally Backward Blocks of India under the supervision of State Government. She commutes daily 8 km by her bicycle to reach her school. According to Aarti, Reading skill Improvement Program and Special coaching class supported by Chetna Vikas & Child Fund India has helped her build her foundation and clear her entrance exam. The medium of language can be decided by the State Government, although special emphasis has been given on Spoken English and English Teaching.

Through Child Club meetings, Aarti is now aware of the legal marriage age for girls is 18 and also learnt that with education one can fight against any odds. Her dream is to stop child marriage. She mustered the strength to stand up against her father with the help of her 3 elder brothers. Her father, Madan Besra, is guilty of his earlier decision and now supports Aarti to fulfill her dreams and become a teacher.