ITAHARI, Oct 24: Eighty-four year old Bedmaya Puri of Hansposa, Sunsari, has proven that age is not a bar to acquire education. She learned to read and write in Nepali only six months ago after participating in an adult education program run by local women.
Bedmaya, who could only write her name before, is now capable of reading newspapers. “I don´t read everything but scan through the major headlines,” she says. “I need to look at the newspaper daily or else I won´t be satisfied.” A little hard of hearing, Bedmaya likes to read newspapers before her morning cuppa.
After she began taking adult education classes, her granddaughter, who works for the local FM station, Junusa Puri gave her additional coaching. “When I sit down to study my grandchildren also join me,” she tells. “Because I don´t have other things to do, I study to encourage them.”
Bedmaya has gained much popularity in her locality after learning to read and write. “Both my parents were illiterate and they married me off as a child,” says Bedmaya, adding, “I never got the chance to study but my childhood wishes have finally been fulfilled.”
Manmaya Khadka, another adult education participant, has also experienced several changes in her life since attending classes. “I am not ashamed of learning what I don´t know,” she says, adding, “I ask the literate people of the village or go to the teacher´s house to ask questions.” She now reads at least for an hour every day.
“I used to feel guilty about not being able to read and write but I overcame my initial inhibition after realizing that age does not impede learning,” explains Manmaya, who no longer needs assistance to do basic mathematical calculations.
The problems that the 51year old Saraswati Giri faced, prior to receiving education, were also numerous. “People cannot cheat me anymore since I am now capable of reading,” asserts Saraswati.
Bedmaya, Manmaya and Saraswati are among the few whose lives have improved after acquiring education. “Changing times have made education necessary,” says Kamal Khadka, one of the adult education campaign members. “A majority of the local women of Hansposa are now literate.” The program which lasted for six months was supported by the District Education Office, Sunsari.
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