By Sunita Rathod | Fundraising Manager
Aarti, 17, comes from an underserved community in Mumbai, India, where opportunities for girls are often limited and financial pressures can force children to drop out of school early. In her family of eight, her sisters were unable to study beyond the 10th grade. But with the support of OSCAR Foundation’s child sponsorship programme, Aarti was able to continue her education and build a future for herself.
Since joining OSCAR in 2017, Aarti has actively participated in football and life skills sessions that have shaped her confidence, discipline and resilience. Through OSCAR’s “No School, No Football” approach, she remained committed to her studies and is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree while also completing her NCC B Certificate, taking a strong step toward her dream of joining the armed forces.
Her journey has also taken her beyond her community. In 2023, Aarti had the opportunity to travel as part of OSCAR UK School Tour, where she represented her story and experiences on an international platform, an experience that broadened her perspective and strengthened her confidence.
Like many children in underserved communities, Aarti faced challenges, financial constraints at home, limited exposure and moments of self-doubt. There was a time when her team faced continuous losses and many players dropped out. But with consistent mentorship and stability, Aarti chose to stay, persevere and grow.
In 2026, her determination paid off. As captain, she led her team to become champions of the Mumbai Football Association (MFA) Women’s Super League, a district-level tournament, remaining unbeaten and not conceding a single goal throughout the competition.
Sponsorship played a critical role in this journey. It eased financial burdens on her family, ensured her continued access to education and sport and provided a safe space where she could learn, lead and grow.
Today, Aarti is not just a football champion; she is the first girl in her family to attend college, a confident leader and a role model for others in her community.
In her own words:
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent myself. The support I received has helped me continue my education and follow my dreams. I didn’t stop and I never will.”
Her story is a reminder: when one child is supported, an entire future can change.
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