From Child Labour to College: Support Her Future

 Just a few years ago, Kavita’s life was marked by struggle and uncertainty. Living in rural India, she and her husband worked tirelessly to support their family, relying on a small acre of rain-fed farmland. With no reliable water source and limited income, Kavita often felt isolated and unable to provide the nutritious food her family needed. Her two sons were pursuing their education but it was a financial strain on the family.

Everything began to shift when Kavita joined a self-help group established by our partner organisation. At first, she was hesitant, she had never participated in community groups or had access to saving schemes before. But with gentle encouragement from the team, she became an active member, saving each month and learning from the other women in the group. For the first time, she experienced the power of connection and mutual support.

Two years later, Kavita attended a nutrition garden training organised by our partner. The training opened her eyes to the dangers of chemical fertilisers and the importance of nutrition for her family’s health. Inspired and determined, she prepared a small plot near her home to start her very own organic garden. With seeds sourced from “Beejmata” Rahibai Popere, a renowned seed conservationist, Kavita planted an incredible variety of vegetables and fruits. She also learned how to create organic fertilisers and herbal pesticides, ensuring her garden thrived without harmful chemicals.

The impact on Kavita’s life has been extraordinary. Within six months, her garden began providing fresh, organic vegetables for her family. No longer reliant on expensive market produce, she saved 9000 rupees in just half a year—money that would have otherwise been spent on travel and buying vegetables. For the first time, her family could enjoy nutritious meals daily without financial worry. The garden not only sustains her household but also produces surplus vegetables that she shares with neighbours and other group members.

Kavita also has become a passionate advocate for organic farming and nutrition, sharing her knowledge with other women in her village. She shares how much stronger and healthier her family feels now and how much she wants to make a difference in the lives of others in her community.

Transformation begins with individuals like Kavita. By supporting grassroots initiatives like these, you support women gain the tools they need to overcome poverty and discrimination—not just for themselves but for their entire communities.

Thank you