Keep Girls in School & End Child Marriage in Pune

Rohan is 14 years old and lives with his parents and younger sister in a modest household where daily life is shaped by care, patience and persistence. His father works in an office, and his mother manages the home while supporting her children. 

As you know, the project Rohan is part of focuses primarily on keeping girls in school, recognising the deep and persistent barriers they face. At the same time, it also works with boys who are pushed to the margins by poverty, disability and discrimination, children who are often excluded from education and community life in quieter but equally lasting ways.

In Rohan’s early childhood, recurring health issues began to raise concerns. Over time, as his development differed from that of other children his age, his parents sought medical advice again and again, searching for clarity. Eventually, Rohan was diagnosed with both physical and learning disabilities. The news was difficult, and the family was left uncertain about what steps to take next.

As other children started school, built friendships, and became part of their communities, Rohan remained at home. Without access to appropriate educational pathways or guidance, his world gradually narrowed. This was not only because of his disability, but also because services and information were difficult to reach and support systems were not clearly accessible.

A meaningful shift began during a routine community visit, when a mobiliser from our partner, Nirman, met Rohan’s mother and took time to listen. The team worked alongside the family, helping them navigate medical assessments and understand available processes. With this support, Rohan was able to obtain a Disability Certificate — a necessary step that formally recognised his needs and opened the door to support further.

With this recognition in place, attention turned to education. Rohan’s family was guided through available options, learning about schools that provide specialised support and inclusive learning environments. While the process is ongoing, the family is now actively working to enrol him in a setting where he can learn, interact, and grow at his own pace.

For Rohan’s family, this journey is about more than accessing services. It is about being acknowledged, receiving accurate information and regaining a sense of direction. With steady support, uncertainty has begun to give way to confidence and hope.

Rohan’s story reflects the project’s broader commitment to inclusion — ensuring that while girls remain at the centre of efforts to keep children in school, boys who are excluded due to poverty, disability, or social disadvantage are not left behind. When families are supported to understand their rights and options, all children are better able to take their place in education and in community life, with dignity and equal worth.

Thank you for your support.