It is said that difficult situations do not make a person weak, but make him stronger. The story of Archana Jaiswal from Uttar Pradesh is an example. Growing up amidst financial constraints, Archana completed her studies from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and resolved to provide better education to rural children. He provided low-fee education facilities in villages through the startup ‘Shiksha Sathi’. Today their education centers are running in six districts of Uttar Pradesh, where more than 7,650 children study. Also more than 740 rural girls and women have got an opportunity to become self-reliant.

Father completed his education by driving a rickshaw

Behind Archana Jaiswal’s success is the struggle of her father Jagdish Ram. Jagdish Ram, a resident of Gazipur, took up the responsibility of the family at an early age. Due to financial constraints, he had to drive a rickshaw at the age of 17. However, he did not give up his studies and completed his graduation through hard work. Later he got a job in Indian Railways. After this the family moved to Varanasi.

Father died in childhood

Jagdish Ram wanted to give good education to his children. For this, he did painting and other small jobs apart from his job, but Archana’s father died when he was a child. There were five sisters and one brother in the family. In such a situation, the challenge of running the household and continuing the children’s education increased.

A new idea came after studying from BHU

Despite family difficulties, Archana continued her studies. He did his graduation and post graduation in Economics from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). She wanted to become a professor, but her dream could not come true due to lack of proper guidance and resources. When he went to the village after his studies, he found that many seventh graders could not even answer basic questions. He realizes that the lack of good coaching in rural areas and the cost of education in cities are major hurdles in children’s education.

Education started from 100 rupees, thousands of children benefited

To solve the problems of rural children, Archana launched ‘Your Coaching’ in 2022. In 2023 he registered as ‘Shiksha Sathi’. Under this initiative, children from class 1 to 12 are taught after school. Fees start from Rs 100 to a maximum of Rs 600.

Quality education at low cost

Today Shiksha Sathi education centers are running in six districts of Uttar Pradesh. More than 7,650 children are receiving education here. Apart from this more than 740 rural girls and women have been provided employment opportunities by imparting teacher training. This initiative of Archana is not only providing quality education at low cost but also working towards making rural women self-reliant.