Empower girls like Priti in slums in Pune, India

Name                                     : Vaishali Rachappa Koli.

Age                                         : 19 years

Education                              : 12^th STD

Background:

I am from a family of 5. My father is daily wage labourer and my mother is a house wife. I am very happy to share my joy with you. I passed my 12^th exam with good marks. But after finishing my exams, I was not able to decide where to engage myself in this vacation, and so I was at home. Members from the project team came to my house once and gave information about the ' smile' twin e-learning course at their organization, and I enrolled for it.

The teachers impressed me with how kind they were. They also helped us to enroll in different activities in this course. The visits to the mall and lectures about retail management built our confidence to apply for jobs.

This course has made me feel independent. My family members and neighbours all believe this course has had a positive effect. 

I am very grateful to the project staff.

Name of Beneficiary:  Shweta Navnaath Salve

Age: 17 years

Education: 11^th STD

I, Shweta Navnath Salve, have sat the S.S.C. examination [an examination for government jobs]. Such a thing marks a great turnaround in my life, which has only been possible due to the work of the project. 

After joining the classes there has been a radical change in my mind, in my personality, in my nature and my ability to think about things.

I have been living in Shantinagar since my childhood. It is clearly a 'slum', and in my experience, the surroundings and atmosphere around us clearly influence the way we think.

After I completed my 10th standard examination, I had to do something with myself in the holidays. I therefore joined the classes to learn spoken English, and basic computer skills. 

Before, I used to think that teachers were only good for teaching their subject. But here I see that they serve as good examples, and that I can change myself for the better, as well as learn whatever I am being taught. I have learned so much here. So much of what I've learned is important for my personal development. My secondary school education is over now, and I will go to college and probably try and find some work as well. But before I did not know anything about how adanced the world is before, when all I know was the four walls of my house and my school. But I learnt about myself in these life skills classes. The teacher and other girls have impressed my with their softness, their kindness. Not only this, but they have provided a useful practical service. Now I can look critically at this society and my position. I hope to live in a wiser way than this, and to have a job also.

I am very grateful to the project staff.