Gender Equality India Project #23869

Educate Destitute Girls in Kolkata, India

by Tiljala Society for Human and Educational Development

Project Report | May 18, 2026
Dreams Beyond Hardship

By SHAFKAT ALAM | JOINT SECRETARY

Sania is a 19-year-old girl from a modest middle-class family who lives with her mother and two elder sisters. Their family of four has faced years of financial hardship and emotional struggles, yet they have continued to move forward with courage and determination.

Even before Sania was born, tragedy struck the family. Her father, Salauddin, passed away while her mother, Husna , was pregnant with her. As a result, Sania grew up without the love, care, and guidance of a father. Since then, her mother has carried the entire responsibility of the family alone.

Husna works in leather bag manufacturing unit and earns approximately 6,000–7,000 per month (around 70–85 USD). With this very limited income, she has struggled to manage household expenses, educational costs, and the daily needs of her daughters. Despite the hardships, she never allowed poverty to stop her children from continuing their education.

The family strongly believes that education is the only path toward a better future. Sania’s elder sisters have also worked hard to build their lives. One sister is currently working as a teacher, while the other is pursuing higher education in college. Their achievements reflect the family’s perseverance and commitment to education despite difficult circumstances.

Sania is presently studying in Class 12 and is known for being sincere, disciplined, and hardworking. Due to the family’s financial condition, she could not afford private tuition classes like many other students. However, instead of giving up, she relied on self-study, dedication, and determination to continue her education.

Her hard work brought remarkable success when she passed Class 11 with First Division marks. This achievement is highly commendable considering the severe financial limitations and lack of educational support resources available to her.

Despite losing her father before birth and growing up in financial hardship, Sania remained focused on her studies and continued striving for a brighter future. The family’s limited income often made it difficult to manage educational expenses and other basic household needs. Yet, through the unwavering support of her mother and her own determination, she continued her educational journey with hope and perseverance.

Sania’s story is a powerful example of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Her commitment to academic success without private tuition demonstrates exceptional self-discipline and perseverance. She serves as an inspiration to many young girls from economically weaker backgrounds who continue to pursue their dreams despite social and financial barriers.

The sacrifices and hard work of her mother have played a vital role in shaping the future of the family. With proper guidance, educational support, and opportunities, Sania has the potential to achieve even greater academic and professional success in the future.

Her journey highlights the importance of supporting underprivileged students and reminds us that with encouragement and opportunity, determined young minds can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

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Jan 20, 2026
A Quiet Dream in a Crowded Slum

By SHAFKAT ALAM | JOINT SECRETARY

Kahkasha’s Journey of Hope

Kahkasha is a 15-year-old girl living in the Tiljala slum of Kolkata with her parents, two brothers, and grandmother in a very small rented house. The family pays a monthly rent of just Rs. 120 (USD 1.45) along with electricity charges of about Rs. 300 (USD 3.60) per month. The limited space and constant financial pressure make daily life extremely challenging for the family.

Her father,Wajid, works as a daily wage labourer, earning around Rs. 500–700 per week (USD 6–8.50). His income is irregular, especially during the monsoon season when work often stops completely due to weather conditions. Her mother, Musarrat, works as a domestic helper and earns about Rs. 2,000 per month (USD 24). Despite long working hours, she single-handedly manages the household and supports her children with immense dedication and strength.

Kahkasha’s elder brother, Aryan (18), is currently not studying or working, while her younger brother, Riswan (13), studies in Class V at a local government school. Their grandmother also lives with them and depends entirely on the family for care and support.

In the midst of these hardships, Kahkasha stands out as a bright, sincere, and hardworking student. She is currently studying in Class IX at Shaukat Memorial School and will be promoted to Class X next year. She also attends regular tuition classes to strengthen her learning, for which the family somehow manages to pay Rs. 500 per month (USD 6).

What makes Kahkasha’s story truly touching is her mother’s quiet involvement in her education. Though not educated herself, her mother sits beside Kahkasha when she studies—offering encouragement, moral support, and hope. Before and after school, Kahkasha helps her mother with household chores, balancing responsibilities far beyond her age without ever losing focus on her studies.

Kahkasha dreams of completing her education and building a better life for her family—one where they no longer struggle for basic needs. Her parents firmly believe in her potential and give her their full support, hoping she will one day change the family’s circumstances.

With proper guidance and continued support from Tiljala SHED, Kahkasha has the strength, determination, and ability to succeed. A small helping hand today can ensure that this young girl’s dreams do not fade under the weight of poverty—but instead grow into a future of dignity, stability, and hope for her entire family.

Your support can help Kahkasha continue her education and turn her quiet determination into lasting change.

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Sep 22, 2025
From Struggles to Dreams Aisha's Path to Education

By SHAFKAT ALAM | JOINT SECRETARY

Aisha is a bright 13-year-old girl studying in Class VII. She lives with her parents and elder brother in a tiny 70 sq. ft. room in the crowded Park Circus slum of Kolkata. Life has always been a struggle for her family. Her father works tirelessly as a security guard, bringing home just 6,000 ($72) a month, while her mother works as a maid servant, earning only 3,000 ($36). Together, they support the household with less than $110 a month. With such meagre income, the family often struggles to manage even their basic needs.

Despite these hardships, Aisha’s parents never lost sight of their biggest dream — to give their children a good education. They firmly believe that education is the only way out of the cycle of poverty. But the burden of school fees, tuition costs, and study materials often made this dream seem impossible.

In January 2025, Aisha’s life took a hopeful turn when she began receiving sponsorship support from Tiljala SHED. This sponsorship brought immense relief to her parents. For the first time, they did not have to worry about paying school and tuition fees. All her books, stationery, and study materials were provided. Beyond academics, Aisha also gained opportunities to participate in activities like drawing classes, computer training, and self-defence sessions, which are shaping her into a confident, well-rounded individual.

With this support, Aisha is now studying with greater focus and determination. She regularly visits the community library, takes part in extracurricular activities, and continues to perform well in school. Her confidence has grown, and her parents can see a positive change in her. The burden of financial worry has lifted, leaving space for hope and dreams.

Aisha has set her heart on becoming a teacher one day. Inspired by the support she has received, she wants to dedicate her life to helping other children from disadvantaged backgrounds, just like her. This sponsorship is not just paying for her education — it is giving her the encouragement, dignity, and belief that she matters, and that her dreams are worth chasing.

Her parents are deeply grateful to the donors who have given their daughter this chance. For them, the sponsorship is more than financial assistance; it is a light of hope in their darkest struggles. They now dare to imagine a brighter tomorrow for their children.

Your support is transforming Aisha’s journey from struggle to hope.

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