Education As The Way Out Of Poverty

While Deepa Willingham was growing up in Calcutta, her mother always reminded her, "Finish your food, there are starving children just outside." Her mother instilled in her a respect for all people, regardless of caste, religion or gender. It is with these values in mind that Willingham started PACE Universal, a community program in Piyali, India, that reaches more than 200 girls and 50 women and aims to deconstruct the debilitating cycle of poverty. Students are taught how to read and write, and they receive life skills and vocational training.

Deepa’s early-childhood education began under the stewardship of the woman who later became known as Mother Teresa. Her father, an educator, and her mother, a humanitarian, risked their lives to harbor Muslim refugees in a Christian college when the conflict between the Hindus and Muslims broke out in Calcutta in 1946.Their examples engendered a resolve that would steady Deepa throughout her life. What’s more, these individuals instilled in her the necessity to respect and value all human beings, regardless of caste, religion, or gender. They also taught her the value of education.

Deepa was fortunate to reap the benefits of schooling, and she discovered that with literacy comes freedom, and with freedom comes choice. She came to believe what studies would later show: Education is the way out of poverty. So, when she left India to attend graduate school in the United States she knew she was lucky. As she flew away from her homeland, she made a vow.  She would return someday and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

In 2012, Encore.org joined forces with Participant Media and Road Scholar to bring you The Marigold Ideas for Good Contest. From April to October, Participant Media – with help from the voting public and Encore.org – selected five winners monthly for a total of 30 total, including Deepa. Each winner received a $5,000 grant.

Worcester Rotary’s weekly luncheon meetings are held on Thursday at 12:00 noon at Coral Seafood, which is located at 225 Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. Free parking is available. Cost is $18 per member or guest. Raffle tickets are $2 for three.