From Daily Wage Worker to Education Crusader
In the rugged terrain of Saranda forest in West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, 50-year-old Francis Munda walks miles every day to bring education to children in remote tribal villages. Once a Maoist stronghold, this forest is now home to Munda's mission: ensuring that every child gets a chance to learn. A matriculate who worked as a daily wage laborer for most of his life, Munda has been dedicated to spreading awareness about the importance of education among forest-dwelling communities since 2019.
A Childhood Dream Fulfilled
Munda lost his parents as a toddler and was raised by a relative. He managed to study up to Class X but could not pursue higher education due to financial constraints. This unfulfilled dream inspired him to help others. In 2019, during a visit to tribal villages in Saranda forest, about 15 km from his home in Kiriburu, he saw extreme poverty and children aged 12-13 who could not read or write. He decided to teach them, starting his first class on October 2, 2019, in Rangring village with 30 children. Soon, the number grew to 60, and these children became the first generation of learners in their families.
Expanding Reach Amid Challenges
Over seven years, the number of students from Rangring, Nuiyagarha, and Burdabati increased to 102. Munda helps them with initial lessons and then enrolls them in schools in Kiriburu. Despite improvements like motorable roads to Rangring, villages like Nuiyagarha (15 km away) and Burdabati (17 km away) still require travel on foot. Munda visits these villages almost daily, raising awareness and improving school enrollment.
Recognition and Resistance
Munda was recently awarded by the Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED), a Jharkhand-based organization. However, his campaign faced resistance from villagers who threatened him for trying to break social norms like early marriage of girls. Undeterred, Munda continues to persuade families to prioritize education over traditional practices, driven by the belief that education can transform lives.
