Impacting the lives of over 56,000 students across 462 habitations in Jajpur district
Gita Munda, a resident of Kankadpal village in the Sukinda block of Jajpur district, faced significant challenges after her father’s death, which severely impacted her family and forced her to leave school after completing fifth grade. However, with the intervention of the Tata Steel Foundation, Gita was encouraged to enroll in the Residential Bridge Course Center (RBC) at Gobarghati, providing her the opportunity to continue her education. She eventually completed her matriculation at Belohari Ashram School, and she is currently pursuing her graduation at Saharpada College. Recalling her early school days, Gita says, “I never thought I would return to school. But the Tata Steel Foundation changed everything when they persuaded my family to enroll me in the Residential Bridge Course Center. I want to be a doctor in the future and contribute financially to my family.”
The Residential Bridge Course (RBC) is being promoted by the Tata Steel Foundation around its operational units to bring students back to mainstream school through its NGO partner ASPIRE, ensuring the holistic development and education of every student.
Similarly, the story of Sama Hembram from Tungeisuni village in the Danagadi block of Jajpur district is one of hope. After losing both parents, Sama was left with only his elder brother, which led him to discontinue his studies and work as a cowherd while selling bamboo to make ends meet. His life took a turn for the better when he joined the Residential Bridge Course Center at Tomka, guided by Tata Steel Foundation volunteers. He excelled in the program and eventually gained admission to Kushabhadra Government High School, where he emerged as the class topper in his Class 10 examination.
Sama is currently pursuing a diploma in Mining Engineering at a government polytechnic college in Jajpur, and he is in his sixth semester (final). “I always wanted to be an engineer, but circumstances forced me to leave school. Thanks to the Tata Steel Foundation, I can now pursue my dream,” says Sama. “I want to contribute back to society,” he added.
The Residential Bridge Course (RBC) is a key component of the Tata Steel Foundation’s Education Signature Programme (ESP), which was launched in January 2015. The ESP aims to universalize education in alignment with the Right to Education Act. The project commenced in six blocks across the Keonjhar, Jajpur, and Sundergarh districts of Odisha, with involvement from local community workers, teachers, and mobilizers. In Jajpur, the program operates within the Danagadi and Sukinda blocks, positively impacting 331 government schools across 462 habitations and 48 gram panchayats, benefiting over 56,166 students in FY’24.
The foundation has introduced digital literacy in 113 schools by distributing 90 tablets, engaging 7,787 students in technology use and broadening their learning methods. A longstanding initiative, the Jyoti Fellowship, supports meritorious students from economically disadvantaged Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families. In FY’24, 606 students received financial assistance through this fellowship.
As Tata Steel continues to expand its presence in Odisha, the organization remains committed to fostering an ecosystem that not only drives industrial growth but also promotes sustainable societal development.
