Educate 100 Under Privileged Children for One Year

From Two Hours a Day to a Future of Possibilities

For 26 years, Ashwini Charitable Trust (ACT) has supported children from nursery through college graduation, providing long-term opportunities for academic growth, life skills, leadership, computer literacy, and personal development.

The journey of Leela [name changed] shows what this sustained support can achieve.

For seven years, she found a space to learn, grow, discover her abilities, and build confidence. What began during a period of severe family hardship eventually led her to become a first-generation college graduate, a corporate professional, and someone who chose to give back.

A Childhood Shaped by Hardship

Leela [name changed] grew up in a financially struggling family. Her father, Sendhil Kumar, worked as a mechanic, while her mother, Sujatha M, worked as a housemaid. Along with her younger brother, Sanjay, she grew up in a home where meeting everyday needs was often difficult.

The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse. Her father lost his job, leaving the family without a dependable income. Her mother continued working, but there were times when even basic necessities were difficult to afford.

ACT: A Source of Hope

During the pandemic, ACT provided ration support to the family, offering reassurance that they were not facing their difficulties alone. “In that difficult time, ACT gave my family hope. Their support made us feel that someone was standing with us when we needed it most.”

Seven Years of Growth

For the next seven years, Leela [name changed] enjoyed being part of ACT. Through life-skills training, computer education, extracurricular activities, and opportunities to teach and lead, she gradually became more confident and expressive.

She particularly enjoyed teaching LSRW classes to younger students, participating in Annual Day programmes, teaching dance, and spending time with fellow students and volunteers.

Birthday celebrations, trips, laughter, and shared experiences also gave her a strong sense of belonging.

“ACT gave me opportunities I had never imagined for myself. Slowly, I became more confident, more expressive, and more willing to take responsibility.”

Recognising Resilience

Leela [name changed]'s determination and ability to overcome challenges earned her the Samartha Award, recognising students who demonstrate confidence, resilience, and strength in the face of adversity.

A First-Generation Graduate

Today, Leela [name changed] is the first college graduate and corporate professional in her family and has secured a position at ANZ.

Her achievement reflects not only her own determination, but also her mother's courage and sacrifice. Despite financial pressures, Sujatha chose to invest in her daughter's long-term education and future.

Together, family sacrifice and sustained support helped change the direction of Leela [name changed]'s life.

From Beneficiary to Donor

Perhaps the most meaningful moment came with her first salary.

Leela [name changed] returned to ACT and sponsored a celebratory lunch for all the children. The young girl who had once received support had become someone able to support others.

“ACT believed in me when I was still discovering what I could become. With my first salary, I wanted to give something back to the Trust and celebrate this achievement with the children.”

She had come full circle—from beneficiary to donor.

Breaking a Cycle and Beginning a New One

Leela [name changed] began as a young girl from a financially vulnerable family with limited opportunities. Today, she is a confident graduate, corporate professional, Samartha Award recipient, and donor.

Most importantly, she has become an example for children who are still on the journey she once travelled.

Her story shows that when education, mentorship, family sacrifice, and timely support come together, the impact can extend far beyond one individual.

A child who once received support can grow into an adult who provides it to others.

Conclusion

The story of Leela [name changed] is a testament to the power of sustained support at the right time.

It is a reminder that behind every graduate is a family that made sacrifices, mentors who believed, donors who invested, and a young person who chose to persevere.

Twenty-six years after ACT began answering the question, “What can you really achieve in just two hours each day with a child?”, Leela [name changed]'s journey provides a compelling answer.

You can help a child build confidence.

You can help a family withstand a crisis.

You can open doors to education and opportunity.

And, over time, you can help create a graduate who returns—not merely as a success story, but as a giver.