One of Ayesha’s* happiest moments now is putting on her school uniform.
She gets ready with excitement, carrying her books and stepping into a world that once felt far away from her. She enjoys speaking in English, reading storybooks, learning new things, and spending time in the computer lab. For many children, going to school is a daily routine. For Ayesha, it is a new doorway — into learning, confidence, and a childhood filled with possibility.
There was a time when Ayesha’s days looked very different. As a young child, she spent long hours alone while her mother was away working. At an age when she should have been going to school, playing with friends, and discovering the world around her, her life was marked by uncertainty and a lack of consistent care.
Ayesha came from a highly vulnerable background. Her mother lived in a red-light area in Mumbai and worked hard to support her daughter, but her income was unstable and often not enough to meet their basic needs. The family regularly faced food insecurity, and Ayesha did not always receive adequate nutrition. Without proper supervision for long periods, she remained vulnerable and without the structure, safety, and care that a young child needs.
Ayesha also had no access to formal education during her early childhood. She missed important early learning opportunities that could have supported her academic, social, and emotional development. These experiences affected her health, confidence, communication, and early growth. Her mother was deeply concerned about Ayesha’s safety, education, health, and future, but she did not have the resources to address these needs alone.
During outreach visits, Sahaara staff met Ayesha’s mother and learnt about the family’s situation. The team recognised that Ayesha needed more than occasional support. She needed a safe place to live, access to education, proper nutrition, healthcare, supervision, and consistent emotional care.
The staff spoke with Ayesha’s mother about the support available through Krupalay. They explained how the hostel could provide a safe and structured environment while caring for Ayesha’s education, health, emotional wellbeing, confidence, and life skills. Understanding the long-term benefit for her daughter, Ayesha’s mother agreed to enrol her at Krupalay. That decision opened the door to a different childhood — one shaped by safety, learning, nutritious food, regular care, and opportunities to grow.
At Krupalay, Ayesha began receiving holistic care. She was enrolled in an English-medium school and given remedial academic support to strengthen her learning foundation. Her daily needs are now met through safe accommodation, four nutritious meals each day, healthcare, and essential items. She also receives counselling, weekly mentoring, life skills education, recreational outings, and opportunities to participate in hostel and school activities.
Slowly, Ayesha began to change.
The girl who once missed school and lacked consistent care is now growing in a safe and nurturing environment. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and health check-ups have helped her achieve a healthy BMI. Academic support has helped her adjust to the classroom. Counselling, mentoring, and life skills sessions have supported her emotional, social, and personal development.
Ayesha has a speech lisp, but the patient and encouraging environment at Krupalay has helped her communicate more comfortably. She is becoming more confident and now participates actively in school and hostel activities. Her mother also remains connected through regular communication and Child–Parent Review Meetings, encouraging Ayesha as she grows.
Ayesha says, “I enjoy going to school, speaking English, reading storybooks, and joining hostel activities. I want to keep learning and do my best.” Her mother shares, “I am grateful that Ayesha is safe and receiving a good education, nutritious food, and proper care. I hope she has a bright future.”
Today, Ayesha dreams of becoming a chef and owning her own restaurant one day. She also hopes to build a home of her own and create a secure and successful future. Her story reminds us that when a child receives safety, education, nutrition, and patient care, her childhood can begin to heal — and her dreams can begin to grow.
*Name changed to protect identity