By Imen Trabelsi | Project Leader
Utalesha is 13 years old and lives with her mother, father and brother in a temporary shack in an isolated area in a village called Varudipathar. Her parents are daily labourers and the family are living hand to mouth. Her attendance at school had declined due to the 14km round trip she needed to make, in areas where she was scared of potential snakes and leopards, as had been seen around her village. Utalesha struggled with the hours it took to get to and from her school through risky areas; she was not physically strong enough for these long walks and the fear was also affecting her mental health.
Utalesha wanted to attend school- something practical and simple could make all the difference between her dropping out or continuing with her studies in a safe way.
A month’s intervention from a social worker meant Utalesha was given a bicycle and the confidence to cycle to and from school regularly. Her studies and attendance have improved and with this, her risk of marriage at a very young age, dropping out of education and poor self-confidence have decreased.
Well done to Utalesha for riding her new bike, discovering her confidence and rediscovering her love for learning!
Thank you for your support of girls such as Utalesha to overcome the barriers of poverty and reach their potential.
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