From Child Labour to College: Support Her Future

Fourteen-year-old Asha lives in a remote hamlet nestled in the hills of Nashik, India, about 3–4 kilometres from her school. She is in Year 9 and dreams of completing her education. But for Asha, even getting to school was an uphill struggle.

Her family has very little, just half an acre of unirrigated land. Her father is unable to work due to a leg injury, and the responsibility of the household rests entirely on her mother, who works as a daily wage labourer to care for her husband and three children.

Each morning, Asha walked 3 km to school and 3 km back… rain or shine. The long distance left her exhausted, often late, and struggling to focus in class. Many of her friends had bicycles, but her family simply couldn’t afford one. Asha began to withdraw, speaking very little at home and isolating herself from other girls. Her parents, while deeply concerned, felt powerless.

That’s when NISD’s community worker stepped in. After meeting Asha and her family, and speaking to her teacher and school principal, it became clear: she was bright and capable, but the burden of her journey was holding her back. She was missing school more often, unable to engage in learning, and had stopped participating in school activities altogether.

Thanks to your support through Karuna, Asha received a brand new bicycle

and everything changed.

Now, she cycles to school each day with ease. The time and energy she saves is channelled into her studies, helping her younger siblings, and reconnecting with her friends. Her confidence has returned. Her teachers report she’s more regular, engaged and actively participating in school life once again.

Her parents are incredibly grateful. “We couldn’t have done this for her. Thank you for supporting our daughter when we could not,” her mother told us.

This is just one of many small transformations made possible by your generosity.

Thank you for helping put a smile on Asha’s face and making her journey to education just a little bit easier.