Akhila lives with her mother, father, and three siblings. Her favorite food is raagimudda, a dish made from millet flour, and chatni (chutney).

“I love studying. I enjoyed staying at school, I miss the food there,” she signs.

Akhila born with speech and hearing impairment. She is currently enrolled in one of RDT’s Inclusive Primary Schools. Unfortunately, the school was forced to close during lockdown.

“Lockdown for me was all about attending classes on Sapthigiri channel and playing tokkudbilla, a local game with my brothers,” says Akhila.

To make sure that she can continue her studies during lockdown, her tutor, Ashok, visits once a week.

“I give each child one day, so that I focus on their learning completely,” explains Ashok. “I have been appointed as a teacher for 6 children. I make sure that they revise their previous learnings.”

Ashok specializes in educating the hearing and speech impaired. He says it is harder to teach children between third and fifth grade because their attention spans are lower, but that he enjoys it anyway.

“We are very happy that the teachers are giving home-based education, it was very much in need. We really appreciate the efforts and the support that RDT has given us,” says Akhila’s father.

“My only worry is about her future. Right now, she has RDT’s support. How will she manage when she is all by herself?” explains Akhila’s mother. Both her parents are agricultural wage workers. Both have a tenth-grade education.

“Do you know when I can go back to the school?” asks Akhila.