When the Path to School Was the First Barrier
In Kothabanda village, nestled in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh, the journey to education began with a daily challenge. Students had to walk 1.5 km to reach the Mandal Parishad Primary School (MPPS Pottibanda), often barefoot, navigating muddy, uneven, and rain-drenched terrain.
For many, like fourth-grader Lakshmi, the struggle wasn’t with books—it was with the path. During heavy rains, this route became nearly impossible to cross, causing children to miss school for days at a time.
Community-Led Solutions – Building More Than Just a Bridge
Having previously worked with Goonj on canal repair work, a group of 38 parents came together once again to find a way forward. After a community meeting facilitated by Goonj, the villagers decided to build bridges using local resources and collective effort.
Over just four days, the community constructed two sturdy bridges:
- One bridge measuring 50 feet long and 6 feet wide
- Another measuring 15 feet long and 6 feet wide
Men and women volunteered their time, pooling knowledge, material, and effort—turning an idea into a safe and lasting solution.
Parents building a wooden bridge in Kothabanda
A Safer Walk, A Steadier Future
These bridges now ensure that 38 children from Kothabanda—and more from nearby areas—can walk to school without fear of the journey ahead. More than physical structures, they are a testament to unity, dignity, and determination.
As a recognition of their efforts, families involved in the work were rewarded with Family Kits through Goonj’s Cloth for Work (CFW) initiative. These kits, filled with everyday essentials, enabled households repurpose their limited resources toward other pressing needs—without undermining their self-respect.
Newly Constructed Bridge That Now Allows Students to Reach School
Walking the Path They Built – One Step Closer to Learning
This bridge-building initiative reaffirms Goonj’s core belief: people-led solutions create long-term impact. With every step these children now take toward school, they walk not just on a path of stone and wood—but on one paved by their parents’ resolve, and their community’s shared will to change.
Children Will Now Walk to School on the Path Built by Their Parents and Community
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
