“The power of community is the strength of change. The power of education is the promise of a brighter future.”
In the lush hills of northern Kerala’s Wayanad district, nestled amidst the aromatic coffee and cardamom plantations that sway gently with the lofty ridges of the Western Ghats, a quiet revolution is taking place.
Mathothu Poyil, a tribal hamlet cocooned in these hills, has been the traditional home of the Paniya tribe – the historically laborers in the agricultural fields of the landlords, or janmis. The term “Paniya” translates to “working individual”, reflecting the tribe’s historical socio-economic status. This tribe, one of the most marginalized and vulnerable communities of the region, faced significant challenges in education and employment.
Further, statistics of the past paint a disheartening picture – only 58.4% literacy rate compared to the state average of 96.2% and just 4.4% of Paniya youth with access to higher education. However, the flame of transformation was ignited when Piramal Foundation extended their hand in collaboration, and the community decided to take a leap of faith.
Beginning with, a seemingly inconsequential door-to-door campaign was launched by the dedicated team of Piramal Foundation, reaching out to 50 tribal families, raising the beacon of education’s importance and the potential career opportunities it could unlock for their children. As mentioned by the District lead of Piramal Foundation – The journey was not easy, and the road was laden with obstacles, but with perseverance, trust. Further adding that the gradual but steady bond of trust led to the establishment of a community-based networking platform. A space where the Paniya youth could freely discuss their dreams, aspirations, and career goals, a space that nurtured growth and collaboration.
The guidance from dedicated team members of Piramal Foundation with a team of passionate Gandhi fellows fueled the platform, offering facilitation in education and career-focused community sessions. This led to the registration of the club, bringing a sense of motivation among the 42+ members. The club’s nurturing environment encouraged older youth to support school-going children by offering remedial classes and ensuring their regular attendance at school.
This transformation was not just restricted to education. The commitment of the club members resulted in a significant decrease in substance abuse within the community, with 90% of the club members now leading sober lives. The impact was unmistakable. Ten club members secured regular jobs, creating a ripple effect that echoed through the valleys, sparking hope, and a renewed sense of potential. Parents, once uncertain, began to embrace the value of education for their children. Shanthi Amma, a parent from the community, joyfully reflected, “When the team started supporting us to send our kids to school, many kids here started attending regularly.”
As we recount the tale of transformation and empowerment from the heart of Wayanad, the echo of the folk dance, Vattakali, can be heard resonating through the valleys. The women of the Paniya tribe, adorned with red seeds choonthumani (type of earrings), dance with newfound hope and resilience, a testament to their journey from the shadows into the light.
The tale of Wayanad is a testament to the power of community-driven change, and the profound impact of education. A story of hope, resilience, and the transformational power of education. The Paniya tribe is stepping into a brighter future, one that promises access to education, employment, and opportunities that extend beyond the boundaries of their hamlet. The flame of transformation ignited by the community continues to burn bright, guiding the way towards an empowered future.