Learning Beyond Barriers: Elisha and Rhythm’s ECD Journey

Shree Gyanodaya Basic School of Chaughare, Konjyosome Rural Municipality, offers classes from Early Childhood Development (ECD) up to grade 8. This is one of the project school related with READ Child-III project. Support related with ECD infrastructure upgrades, educational resources, and ECD facilitator training had been made through READ Child-III project. Continuing the progress from READ Child-II, the third phase (READ Child-III) introduced specialized Learning Corners, a Dedicated Sleeping Area, and Educational Materials supplies like school bags, toys, and stationery for the children. These additions have made the ECD classroom an engaging and supportive space where young learners can build essential skills in language, math, and creativity.

Among these young learners are five-year-olds Ms. Elisha Syangtan and Mr. Rhythm Shyangtan, who have been attending ECD for two and three years, respectively. Despite similar behaviors and a shared enthusiasm for reading, writing, and play, both children face unique challenges due to financial hardships at home. Elisha’s mother, who is physically disabled, struggles to provide the attention and resources needed for her child’s growth. Limited family support affects both children’s ability to keep pace with their peers, particularly in foundational literacy skills. While they participate eagerly, Elisha and Rhythm require extra time, guidance, and patience from their teachers to progress.

While they actively participate in class activities, they encounter difficulties in learning, especially in recognising and writing letters. Despite their efforts, they need additional time, guidance, and patience from their teachers. Both children engage eagerly in every task, but they learn and perform at a slower pace compared to their peers. Unlike other children who can quickly follow simple instructions, these two require repeated practice to fully understand new tasks. Observing all the children in class revealed that these two face distinct challenges and learning needs. This realisation sparked a deeper interest in understanding their individual circumstances and exploring ways to better support their development. However, their overall learning process has been much easier due to the support of READ Child project.

Nevertheless, today Elisha and Rhythm demonstrate resilience, joy, and a strong desire to learn, underscoring the need for compassionate understanding and additional support to help them thrive.The activities of the READ Child-III project, which actively supports Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers across various schools, have significantly contributed to the development of many children, including Elisha and Rhythm. The project has supplied educational materials, play infrastructure, and training for facilitators, empowering ECDs to create a nurturing environment where children can learn and thrive. With patience, understanding, and the appropriate resources, children like them are finding joy in learning and experiencing holistic growth.

Execution of this project has been successful with the financial assistance from Moving Mountains e.V. German.