Anjum,17, resides beside the canal sewage in Mazdoorpara, Topsia with her family of five. Her father does cleaning work in a factory. Life is a daily struggle for families like them. Staying here beside the sewage canal where health and education remains a major challenge, she still has hope that it will become better over the coming years.
Anjum is one of the diligent student in Topsia studying in Class 8. She is struggling hard to manage both her studies and her household chores. She is from a very deprived family taking care of her sick grandfather who also stays with them. A lot of money earned by the family is spent on his medicines. Anjum’s family is basically from Bihar and her father also had to contribute some his income in Bihar. The double burden on her father is putting a lot of pressure on managing the finances of the family.
She was about to drop her studies as her father couldn’t afford to pay her fees but because of the continuous support she received from Tiljala SHED, she was able to reach Class VIII and soon will complete her schooling. She aspires to become an IAS (Indian Administrative Officer) and join civil services, which is considered the most premium civil services in India. With government authority, she wants to bring a desired change in these communities.
Life is difficult in this community, but Tiljala SHED has given her hope and now children like them can dream and have a goal in life. She does not fear speaking out in public. Courage is what she has acquired over the years, says Anjum. She was an introvert girl, but over the years she has gained confidence and is atending our joyful learning classes regularly in the evening organized by Tiljala SHED for students like them.
On asking Anjum about her future aspirations she quotes from the former First Lady of the United States Ms.Eleanor Roosevelt “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. She is good in studies and can speak fluent English quite well. She helps other community children in their studies. She is an inspiration and a youth leader in her community. With GlobalGiving support, children like her are making a huge difference in their own communities.
Her favourite book is “God of small things” which she received from one of our supprters.
She is the future leader and we thank all the donors for their generous contribution on GlobalGiving. Without your support, this was not possible. A decade ago, such inspiring stories like Anjum were seldom heard but now more children are coming into education with a hope to transform their lives as they have understood that Education is the only tool that can end poverty in their lives.