Embracing Change: My Journey at CHOTTU KI EDUCATION Foundation

Hi everyone! 

My name is Bhavani. I work as a teacher at the CHOTTU KI EDUCATION (CKE) Foundation. I joined CKE on November 22, 2022, at the Jeedimetla branch. For the past three years, I have been teaching 25 students. I handle all subjects daily and am constantly learning. I am truly happy to be working at CKE.

                                                                                                        

In my initial days at CKE, I was very scared about how to survive working in a slum. It is a challenging environment with several issues. It's not just a job; it's a responsibility. I faced many problems in Jeedimetla, such as littering and pig cutting problems. Some parents wanted to leave early to work on their farms. 

Before joining CKE, I didn't know how to interact with society or speak properly. After joining CKE, I learned many things about how to be in society and how to communicate effectively. CKE taught me a lot as a teacher. We encounter new challenges and ideas every day. When I first joined CKE, I wondered if I could make a difference in these students' lives. Now, I am truly happy to see how they have changed in terms of hygiene, cleanliness, and social interaction. They have learned a lot. I realized that everything is possible if you want change. CKE taught me this valuable lesson. Before coming to CKE, I was not proficient in English. Thanks to the CKE Core Team, I learned English. They were always accepting of my mistakes and helped me correct them. Because of them, I can now speak English fluently. CKE taught me how to approach negative situations positively, overcome problems creatively, and focus on action rather than words. 

                                                                                                            

I have received a lot of love from my students and their parents. They are wonderful people. Teaching dropout students requires patience. We have to work hard but teach in a smart way. This is not just a job; it's a responsibility to these students. If we approach it with this mindset, we will be successful here. 

Thank you so much to CKE and the CKE Core Team.

 Our story with Chotuuki Education Foundation (CKE) began with a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. When we, Gunda Raviteja and Bala Tripura Sundari, first joined CKE as volunteers, little did we know that this organization would not only allow us to contribute to a noble cause but also bring us together in life.

CKE has always stood as a beacon of hope for children in Hyderabad who are at risk of being lost to the streets, labor, and begging. We both were deeply moved by the mission of CKE and were eager to be a part of this transformative journey. 

Weekends quickly became the highlight of our week, where we would gather students under metro pillars and shopping center steps, teaching their eager minds who otherwise might never have had the chance to experience the joy of learning.

As we spent more time volunteering (which includes weekend teaching classes, practicing sports and conducting health camps), we found ourselves not just drawn to the cause, but to each other. Our shared commitment to the children of CKE, and the joy we found in working together, deepened our connection. What started as a collaboration to uplift these young lives soon blossomed into a beautiful relationship. CKE was not just the place where we volunteered; it became the foundation of our life together. We got married, and to this day, we proudly continue to serve as CKE volunteers. Over the years, we've seen the impact that CKE has had on these children—providing them with a chance to escape the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for a brighter future. We've celebrated the progress of countless students who, with the support of CKE, have moved from the streets into the classroom, and we’ve been humbled to be a part of their journey.

For us, volunteering at CKE is more than just giving back—it’s about being part of a family that believes in the power of education and the potential of every child. The smiles, the successes, and the small victories we witness each day reinforce our belief in CKE’s vision. As we continue to work hand-in-hand, both as a couple and as volunteers, we remain committed to the mission of Chotuuki Education Foundation.

        

To anyone reading this, if you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful impact and find purpose, we encourage you to join hands with CKE. You never know, it might just change your life the way it changed ours.