By Praveen Kumar | Project leader
In the heart of Bihar, a young girl named Rani ( name changed) and her mother, Meera (name changed), lived in the shadows of exploitation. Trapped in a red-light area, their future seemed grim. But hope arrived through the doors of Apne Aap's community center. Rani was given an education sponsorship, while Meera joined our sewing classes. Today, Rani excels in school, and Meera earns a stable income, providing both with a new lease on life.
This story is not unique to Rani and Meera. Across Delhi, Bihar, and Bengal, our project is transforming lives by supporting the education of girls from red-light areas and providing safe spaces for at-risk and prostituted women.
A Network of Hope
Our community centers are beacons of hope in these regions. In Bihar, 113 children like Rani are receiving education through our sponsorship program. In New Delhi, 293 children attend our community classrooms, and in Kolkata, 60 children are pursuing their studies. Among them, eight college students are studying political science, graphic design, and nursing, making a total of 430 children whose lives are being transformed.
Empowering Women
Since May, 83 new women have joined Apne Aap, gaining access to crucial resources such as government IDs, subsidies, savings and loans, legal empowerment, and education and livelihood linkages. Meera is one of the many women benefiting from our sewing classes, with 43 women in Bihar and 40 in Kolkata learning valuable skills. In New Delhi’s Nizamuddin Basti, our 11 women's successful food truck cooperative is a testament to the power of collective effort and determination.
Nourishing Bodies and Spirits
Our commitment extends beyond education and livelihood. Through our 1 million meals initiative, we ensure that no family goes hungry. Since May, we have distributed meals to 611 families, providing nourishment and hope to the most vulnerable.
Advocating for Change
The driving force behind our work is the belief in equality and the determination to end sex trafficking. With the support of friends of Apne Aap, we continue to be fierce advocates for women and girls, pushing for systemic changes and creating opportunities for those who need them most.
Rani and Meera's story is one of many, illustrating the profound impact of our efforts. Together, we are rising from the shadows, one story at a time, transforming lives through education and empowerment.
Links:
By Kristin Byrne | US Associate
By Prayeen Kumar | Program Manager
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