“Margaret ma’am when does school start?

When can we go back to school?

When will we hear the date for our re-examination?

Can I now continue with further training?

I have to work to help my family, is that allowed?

Margaret Mom, I can’t take online classes because I don’t have a phone…”

Every day I get messages from almost all the girls. I have regular contact with the schools and with the further education. No one can say anything because no one knows.
The girls have not been able to go to school for almost 6 months. The tension and hopelessness about “what will happen next” is increasing.
I hear that many girls go to work to help pay their rent debts.
6 months’ rent of Rs 5,000 – 7,000 (€ 55 – € 78) is no longer repayable for many.
The girls will continue to work until schools can start again.

Arranged marriage

Another major concern is that a number of parents would like to see their daughter get married in these extremely uncertain times.
If their daughter is 16 or younger, it is not legally allowed, but the parents are terribly poor. It’s one less thing to worry about when their daughter is married.
The girls talk about it. They are afraid of the near future.

Today this article appeared in NU.nl. This article contains many points that I talk about with the girls almost every day via WhatsApp.