-Karma Gyurmay
I was always weak at Mathematics in school and as such, flunked many times in exams. Stigmas attached to a ‘failure’ were hard, both emotionally and academically. I used to feel frustrated and often, presumed dropping out of school was the best solution. However, it was clearly not as life became more complicated and I was clueless as of what do next. I started doing menial jobs like working as a waiter at restaurants at very minimal salaries. Undoubtedly, it was exhausting.
Then one day, my mother took me to ENVISION’s Career Help Desk at Majnu-ka-Tilla wherein ENVISION staff introduced me to Ritanjali’s Second Chance School. With their guidance and support, I was able to get enrolled in this programme on 20th, April 2019. It has been more than two months at Ritinjali and I am enjoying every bit of my experience here.
Initially, I thought I would not be able to adapt to the new environment with non-Tibetan classmates. But I am happy to realize I was wrong. Staff and students here are warm and friendly. Most of the students are also school-dropouts like me. So it is even easier to relate and get connected with each other. I made many friends here.
At Ritinjali, we can catch up with our formal education and can acquire qualifications with internships and training. Once acquired, and with their support, we can leave the school after completing a year in a full-time job, until when we feel stable on our own profession. Various vocational and life skill training is being offered at Ritinjali including computer courses. I have a great interest in learning computer and I am so happy that I get to do it here. I am grateful to ENVISION for giving me this second chance in life.
