Towards Realization of a Dream – Astounding Exam Results for School Dropouts

“I am Kajjera Ajjayya. My father’s name is Nagarajappa, he is not able to do heavy work and no permanent work. My mother’s name is Karibasamma, she works as a daily labourer. I have two brothers and they are Sanjeeva and Kotresh, studying in 5^th and 8^th standard respectively. I studied till 6^th class in own village at Nichavanahalli. After studying in 6^th my father had an operation on the stomach and from then on he was not able to go to work.  Since he was the only bread-winner, my mother has to go to work and I was forced to discontinue my education. I was relieved from this, in the year 2012-2013 and brought to DBCLM, Alurhatti. I attended the bridge course for one year wherein I completed both 7^th and 8^th std and then was placed back in school for 9^th and 10^th standard in Sri Siddheshwara Residential High school. Today I am happy that I finished my SSLC with 479 marks and 76.64%. I would like to pursue my studies in science (PCMB) for PUC. I aspire to be a doctor,” said Ajjayya.

“I am Angadi Mahesha. My father, Jagadishappa, left the family when I was in 3^rd Std. My mother’s name is Hallamma, a daily labourer. My brother’s name is Angadi Manjunath, studying I PUC. I studied till 6^th Std in Kanchikkere. I dropped from school in 7^th Std  after studying for two months because of utter poverty.  I had to work with my mother to sustain the family. I was rescued by Don Bosco and placed in DBCLM, Alurhatti in 2012-2013. I attended the bridge course for one year wherein I completed both 7^th and 8^th and then was readmitted to the mainstream school for 9^th and 10^th standard in Sri Siddheshwara Residential High school. Today I am happy that I finished my SSLC with 431 marks and 68.96%. I would like to study commerce for PUC and I want to be a bank manager” said Mahesha.

These were just the experiences of two students, like these; there are many more students who have been rescued, readmitted and educated by Don Bosco. In the academic year 2014-2015, 38 students, who were educated by Don Bosco Center at Davangere appeared for the SSLC exams. Out of these 12 came out with first class and among them four secured more than 70%, 9 with second class and 9 passed the exams. The details of students’ performance are given below: