"Nayantara" a Girl Child Sponsorship Programme

Sritama* Mandal is a girl of around 15 years from remote Nandakumarpur village under Mathurapur II block in South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal, India.

Her father Mr. Ayush* Mandal is a Driver by profession and the lone earner of the family. On an average he earns around INR 5000.00 per month. Her mother Mrs. Mitali* is a home maker and looks after the household chore. Sritama* lives with her parents and one younger sister in a mud house with tiled roof. Her parents thus struggle to meet the family needs with ever smiling face.

Sritama* studies in 10^th Standard at the local govt. higher secondary school ‘Nandakumarpur High School’. She joined the ‘Nayantara’ programme in the beginning of 2017 while studying in 8^th standard. Though was a good student but not fully conscious about the importance of education in life Sritama now has developed a sense of responsibility ever since joined the programme.

Besides she takes all opportunity of holistic learning provided by Nayantara programme with an inquisitive mind and high energy. Thus the life skill education, trainings on personal hygiene and life skill, Bratachari, Art & Craft trainings all are contributing very actively in shaping her personality.

With an ever smiling face she is ready to accept any challenges of life. With the trainings of Art & Craft she is gradually becoming a skilled artist which in future may blossom fully.

In an incident of Child Marriage in her vicinity Sritama* has been an active member to resist it successfully, which remained an instance for other younger girls of the area.

With an ever learning indomitable spirit and thirst to grow Sritama* aspires to be a Teacher when grows up.

* Names of all individuals altered to maintain safety and privacy. 

Sandipta* Majhi is a girl of around 18 years from remote Nandakumarpur village under Mathurapur II block in South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal, India.

Both the parents of Sandipta* lives far away at New Delhi city for better earning options. Her father Mr. Nepal* Majhi works as a daily wage labourer while mother Mrs. Mita* Majhi serves as a Domestic Help. Thus they together earns around INR. 4000.00. Thus with the meager amount they struggle to earn for the sustenance of their family.

Sandipta* lives with her younger brother and grandparents in a small brick built house in Nandakumarpur village. She studies in 12^th Standard at the local govt. higher secondary school ‘Nandakumarpur High School’. Her grandmother looks after the household chore while waiting for a better tomorrow for her son and grandchildren.

Sandipta* joined the ‘Nayantara’ programme in 2017. Earlier she was not fond of studies and shy – used to flee away from strangers. But with continued support and care received at ‘Nayantara’ coaching centers’ she gradually improved. Though, at times she loses interest in studies the mentors and Supervisor of Nayantara programme remained consistent in motivating her completing studies. Thus she is now consistently improving under the care and guidance provided through the programme. Her fellow team mates are also encouraging her in studies and other activities cared through ‘Nayantara’ programme.

The most noticeable change in her personality that can be observed in Sandipta* is her alertness in maintaining personal hygiene- She has become more clean and tidy.

Sandipta* has plans to complete her Higher Secondary (10⁺²) studies and pursue higher education and training for being a Nurse by profession.

*Names of all individuals changed to maintain privacy and security.