At 28, Rajwinder Kaur Empowers Elders in Balloh to Sign Their Names and Embrace Education

In the heart of Balloh, a small village in Punjab's Bathinda district, Rajwinder Kaur, a 28-year-old educator, is reshaping the future for the community’s elderly. Through her work at Bebe Bapu School, founded by the Sardar Gurbachan Singh Sewa Samiti Society, Rajwinder is helping senior citizens transition from using thumbprints to proudly signing their names. Her mission to eradicate illiteracy extends beyond teaching basic skills—it inspires a deep cultural appreciation for learning that transcends generations.

Rajwinder’s journey began six months ago when she joined the school with a clear vision: no one in her community should remain uneducated. With a classroom full of students over 50 years old, her daily efforts focus on teaching reading, writing, and the essential skill of signing documents, particularly for those who face official paperwork challenges.

Despite initial hurdles, Rajwinder cultivated an environment of respect and camaraderie, empowering her students to shed social norms and embrace new learning. Students like Karamjit Kaur, who now signs her bank documents with confidence, and Mahinder Kaur, who proudly teaches her grandchildren, embody the movement's success.

The Bebe Bapu School’s impact goes beyond its walls, as the elders’ newfound skills inspire others in the village to value education at any age. Rajwinder Kaur’s commitment underscores that it is never too late to learn, fostering an enduring spirit of community empowerment and growth.