From Child Labour to College: Support Her Future

Meet Aahana. She is a thirteen year old girl living in the small community of Shirapur village.

Aahana has three sisters and one brother. They live with their mother and father in a small rented house up in the hills. Her parents are unable to own land so they work hard as day labourers, which provides an unpredictable source of income earning only a small wage. But they try their best. Unfortunately, education is often the first thing that is sacrificed, particularly for girls like Aahana who are expected to help around the house and look after their siblings. Living in poverty is an overwhelming stress on people’s lives. Aahana’s father struggles with alcohol abuse, spending income on his addiction and placing the burden on Aahana’s mother, who worries about how to feed her family and provide education for their children.

Our partner’s team makes sure to check in with families in the local areas, particularly those who are marginalised. They identified Aahana and wanted to support her in her educational journey. What is unique about our partner’s project is that it is not just about enrolling girls in school but keeping them there. This began with speaking to her parents and the school to ensure that both parents and teachers were supportive of Aahana.

NISD provided educational materials to Aahana, including a much needed school bag, compass box, writing pad and six notebooks, everything her family could not afford. Aahana is very happy to have received all the educational materials she needs. Her mother also expressed how relieved she feels that someone is there to support her family and her daughters’ education.

Gone are the days when Aahana missed school to stay at home and help. She now attends school regularly and can fully concentrate on her studies without the worry of home life.

In a recent examination she earned an A grade. Math is her favourite subject. She also participates in different after school activities and has even learned how to deliver a speech to her peers.

Aahana and her mother thank you for being committed to girls who without this support might not be heard or supported. With personalised support Aahana is more than a school dropout statistic, she is a person with a future worth fighting for. One girl at a time your support is making the world a better place.