When the Path to School Was the First Barrier

In Kothabanda village, nestled in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh, the journey to education began with a daily challenge. Students had to walk 1.5 km to reach the Mandal Parishad Primary School (MPPS Pottibanda), often barefoot, navigating muddy, uneven, and rain-drenched terrain.

For many, like fourth-grader Lakshmi, the struggle wasn’t with books—it was with the path. During heavy rains, this route became nearly impossible to cross, causing children to miss school for days at a time.

Community-Led Solutions – Building More Than Just a Bridge

Having previously worked with Goonj on canal repair work, a group of 38 parents came together once again to find a way forward. After a community meeting facilitated by Goonj, the villagers decided to build bridges using local resources and collective effort.

Over just four days, the community constructed two sturdy bridges:

• One bridge measuring 50 feet long and 6 feet wide
• Another measuring 15 feet long and 6 feet wide

Men and women volunteered their time, pooling knowledge, material, and effort—turning an idea into a safe and lasting solution.