United for Change – Adolescent Girls and Child Parliament Transform a Village Road

Centre: Faridpur Centre

Sarai Gotia, a small village in Faridpur block, Bareilly, has long suffered due to poor road infrastructure and a lack of proper drainage. These issues especially impacted school-going children, who often had to navigate through waterlogged and muddy roads, leading to frequent falls, embarrassment, and disrupted studies.

Recognizing the village's critical needs, BDSSC began its intervention in 20th September 2024, forming a Child Parliament and an Adolescent Girls Group (AGs) as part of its community empowerment strategy. Both groups were regularly trained in leadership, career guidance, health and hygiene, and most importantly, how to raise their voice for their rights.

On December 12, 2024, a joint meeting of the AGs (comprising 18 adolescent girls) and the Child Parliament was held. The children voiced their shared concern about a particular road leading to the school, which remained flooded due to lack of drainage. This daily struggle was affecting their physical safety, mental well-being, and education.

On January 2, 2025, seven confident girls from the AGs and CPs submitted a formal written application to the village Pradhan, requesting the immediate construction of a proper road and drainage system. The Pradhan appreciated their courage and assured them that the work would begin soon.

True to their commitment, five girls followed up again on February 3, 2025, meeting the Pradhan and reinforcing the urgency of the situation. Their consistent follow-up and respectful advocacy made an impact.

Their efforts bore fruit: on March 3, 2025, construction of the road and drainage system began, and the work was fully completed by March 28, 2025.

The successful completion of this project marked a moment of transformation — not just for the road, but for the confidence, self-worth, and motivation of every child involved.

To celebrate this success and foster continued collaboration, the Adolescent Girls Group invited the Pradhan to their monthly meeting to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation.