Rayagada: Nine girls from Dongria Kondh tribe have achieved a feat that none in their clan had been able to scale till date. This year, the nine girls have successfully cleared the matriculation exams (HSC) conducted by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE).
Students of Kansur Educational Complex managed by Dongria Kondh Development Authority (DKDA) near Kalyansinghpur in the district, these girls reached the milestone by over-coming many challenges associated with their life and lifestyle. This is the first time girls, all of nine who had appeared, have achieved this feat.
The rare achievement has given them an impetus to go ahead with acquiring more knowledge. "Making the Dongria Kondh an educated tribe is my aim. So, I want to become a teacher by pursing higher studies", said Subarna Jakasika, one of the successful girls.
After creating a milestone, the girls have vowed to infuse new life into their community. "Our girls do not pursue education generally. We want to break the stereotype. As we passed the High School test, we also want others from our tribe to do the same. We will work for them in this direction", said Lucky Kadraka, another successful girl.
The tribe generally marry off their girls soon after the attainment of puberty putting an end to their academic aspirations. This is one of the foremost reasons of a discouraging literacy rate among the girls in the tribe.
However, the Kansur educational complex has played a significant role in helping the tribal girls continue their studies. “Nine of them from Niyamgiri hill areas had enrolled in the complex and all of them have successfully cleared the test”, said Sabitri Mandika, headmistress of Kansur educational complex.
The Rayagada district administration, happy over the achievement of the girls, has decided to felicitate them soon.
Dongria Kondhs inhabit Rayagada, Koraput and Kalahandi districts in Odisha though they are found concentrated in Kalyansinghpur, Bissam Cuttack and Muniguda blocks.