From Child Labour to College: Support Her Future

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. 

Asha, an 11-year-old girl from the remote and drought-prone village of Vadzari, lives with her parents and younger brother. Her mother and father work as daily-wage laborers, doing their best to manage the household. Asha studies in Grade 6 at the local Z.P. School.

In the beginning, Asha was extremely shy and withdrawn. She rarely spoke to other girls, avoided group activities and preferred to keep to herself. Her lack of confidence kept her from participating in school or community programmes and she remained isolated both socially and emotionally.

This began to change when Karuna introduced the Girls Together group in the village and encouraged her to join. Through the club, Asha was exposed to leadership sessions, project work on issues affecting girls and training in performing street plays, which is one of the most effective ways to spread awareness in India. She also received basic computer training. With consistent encouragement from staff, Asha slowly started taking part in activities, interacting with other girls, and exploring her own abilities.

Asha’s mother, much like her daughter, was also shy and initially hesitant to support Asha’s participation in school or group programs. Karuna motivated her to join a Self-Help Group and a parents’ group, where she learned more about the importance of girls’ education. Gradually, she began supporting Asha’s learning, helping with homework, attending school meetings, and encouraging her to try new things.

Today, Asha is a confident and active participant in school and community life. Her girls’ group created a street play on the issue of child marriage, performing it in their school, their village, and eventually at a Women’s Day programme in Sangamner, in front of more than 500 people! Their performance received a prize and widespread appreciation throughout the community.

Asha is not only active in extracurricular activities but is also performing well academically. Mathematics has become her favorite subject. After attending computer classes, she now uses basic computer programmes with confidence. Her teachers describe her as enthusiastic and engaged. She even appeared for the Maharashtra Government Scholarship Examination—and passed!

Thanks to the support of people like you, Karuna has been able to empower rural girls like Asha, helping them discover their potential and bringing new hope into their lives.