From Child Labour to College: Support Her Future

Nikita is 14 years old and currently studying in secondary school. She lives with her parents and younger brother in a small, mud house in a remote village. Her parents earn a living through daily wage labour and managing even basic expenses is a constant challenge for the family.

Like many families in her community, education for girls was not always seen as a priority. Nikita’s parents allowed her to continue school only after learning about the support available from our partners, making it possible for her to stay enrolled without placing additional financial pressure on the household.

Getting to school, however, was a daily struggle. The distance from Nikita’s home to school is nearly five kilometres and public transport in the area is unreliable. Without the means to buy a bicycle, she walked the entire distance every day. By the time she arrived, she was often exhausted and late to class. Teachers raised concerns about her attendance, and by the time she returned home, she had little energy left to study. Over time, Nikita began to fall behind academically and stopped participating in school activities altogether.

Our project team noticed that without timely support, there was a real risk that Nikita would drop out of school. Alongside this, they understood that continued engagement was essential — both for Nikita and for her family.

She was encouraged to join girls’ group activities, attend support classes, participate in computer sessions and take part in street plays. These activities helped to rebuild her interest and confidence in school. The team also made repeated home visits, speaking with her parents about the importance of continuing her education.

With additional support, Nikita was provided with a bicycle. This small but critical intervention changed her daily routine. She could now reach school on time, conserve her energy and attend extra support classes. Her academic performance began to improve and she started taking part in school and community activities again.

Nikita is now an active member of a streetplay group and speaks with confidence about completing her education and continuing further.

Nikita’s journey shows how practical support, combined with encouragement and consistent followup, can help keep girls in school, especially in communities where access remains limited. With the right tools and belief, she is continuing her education with renewed confidence and purpose.

Thanks to you, more girls than ever are staying in school in the communities we work alongside. Thank you. 

Thirteen-year-old Aadhya lives in the remote village of Malunje, a community where life is often defined by distance and hardship. Her family gets by on a small piece of land, but the income rarely stretches far enough to cover their basic needs. Growing up in such an isolated area, with little guidance or exposure to the world beyond her village, Aadhya became extremely shy. She found it difficult to step outside without company and felt a deep sense of fear when speaking with teachers, classmates or anyone she did not know well.

Our partner’s project reached out to Aadhya by forming a Girls’ Club at her school. Though nervous at first, Aadhya received encouragement from the project's team, as they knew she had potential; she just didn't know it yet herself. Once she became a member, she began attending support classes, computer training and leadership workshops.

As Aadhya engaged more with the group, she started joining in discussions and meetings, eventually finding her voice amongst her peers. The girl who once shrank away from attention began to step forward.

Our partner’s project also provided training in street theatre, which Aadhya embraced. Today, she is an active member of her street play group, performing in her own school, her village and neighbouring communities. She now stands before audiences to give speeches and teaches other girls about their rights and the issues that affect them.

Aadhya’s parents and teachers have seen a remarkable shift in her personality. The girl who was once too scared to speak is now a bold, confident leader who motivates others to join the club and find their own strength. Even in the most remote areas, when a girl is given the right tools and a supportive community, she can overcome her fears and flourish as a leader for others.

Thank you for your generosity. Your gift has a real-life impact on the girls we serve in South Asia, who, without you, would not find their voice and be heard, seen and celebrated.