Education transcends barriers and defies age limitations. Upon learning that some of her acquaintances had embarked on a prolonged journey of learning English, my wife's enthusiasm to partake in the same endeavor was ignited. Enrolling alongside her friends, she now attends classes held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Bajothang HSS, under the guidance of a dedicated NFE instructor.
Contemplating this prospect, she proposed, "What if I were to join my friends in learning English?" Recognizing the value in this proposition, I wholeheartedly endorsed her decision. In our contemporary era, lacking the ability to read and write one's own name can be disconcerting. This is a transformative opportunity, enabling personal growth and evolution. Over time, the horizon brightens, revealing previously unseen possibilities. Strength burgeons through life's myriad experiences, each moment precious and delicate, reminiscent of morning dew that vanishes unpredictably. Embracing existence's fragility, it becomes imperative to infuse life with significance, crafting an extraordinary existence.
I derive immense contentment from observing your proactive strides. As a result, I pledge to adjust my schedule, ensuring I return home promptly, allowing you to prepare diligently for your class sessions.
Continuing my narrative, I recounted, "Allow me to share the journey of my own education. Despite grappling with financial constraints and familial challenges, I persevered in pursuing education. Though memories of my mother are faint, the mere fact of her carrying me for nine months and giving birth stands as a monumental feat. My reverence for her knows no bounds. My father, burdened with the responsibility of sustaining our family, my sister's caretaking, and my brother's education, navigated an arduous path. Seeking an improved family dynamic, he chose to remarry. I was around five years old at that juncture, comprehending the complexities unfolding around me. My stepmother bore a son, who swiftly became an integral part of my world—a stepbrother cherished as my very own. Witnessing peers of my age embracing school life, my heartache was profound; I yearned to be part of that world. However, my father's refusal left me devoid of formal education for another five years, during which I devoted myself to nurturing my stepbrother. As he matured, we forged a remarkable bond—playing, bickering, and sharing tears.
When my stepbrother turned six, I was eleven—a pivotal moment as my father extended the opportunity of education to him. On that fateful March 10th of 1992, as my father escorted him to school, I pursued them with impassioned pleas. My longing for education was palpable. Compassionate educators, including the headmaster, recognized my plight and assured me they would address it. However, the enrollment age limit was nine, and I stood at eleven. I vividly recall Mr. PELA, a committee member, declining my admission due to surpassing the age threshold. Fueled by my genuine eagerness to learn, my father took decisive action, altering my birthdate through official channels. This marked my initiation into preprimary education—a transformative juncture. Presently, the government continues to champion free education, underscoring the divergence between then and now. Embrace this distinction, moving forward with wisdom.
Presently, my wife has attended three classes, exhibiting the ability to accurately transcribe the 26 letters of the alphabet. She adeptly spells words such as "morning," "afternoon," and "evening." Her journey, though in its nascent stage, mirrors the adage of a thousand-mile voyage commencing with a single step. While rueful of missed opportunities, she is resolute in embracing the emancipation education offers. To her, I convey my heartfelt wishes for success on this voyage."
