Improved Care and Protection of Girl Children

Case Study: Tanya's Journey from Vulnerability to Opportunity

Tanya, 18 Years Old
Aspiring Undergraduate Student in Travel and Tourism Management

Background

Tanya's story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of sustained support. Raised in the highly vulnerable environment of GB Road, Delhi, she faced significant challenges from an early age. Her mother worked in the sex trade to provide for the family, while her father struggled with alcohol dependency and domestic violence. As a child, Tanya spent much of her time confined indoors and was deprived of many of the experiences and opportunities that are essential to a healthy childhood.

Despite these circumstances, Tanya's mother remained committed to securing a better future for her daughter. At the age of seven, Tanya was enrolled with Salaam Baalak Trust, marking the beginning of a profound change in her life.

The Role of Salaam Baalak Trust

Through Salaam Baalak Trust, Tanya was placed at Udaan Children Home for Girls and enrolled in a government school in Class 3. She quickly demonstrated academic potential, securing third position in her class. Recognizing her abilities, the Trust later facilitated her admission to DAV Public School, where she experienced private-school education for the first time.

The transition exposed Tanya to new learning environments and aspirations. Observing her peers communicate confidently in English strengthened her motivation to pursue education as a pathway to opportunity. Beyond academics, Salaam Baalak Trust provided a nurturing environment that helped her develop essential life skills, including discipline, personal hygiene, communication, self-confidence, and independent living skills.

For Tanya, the Trust became much more than a support organization—it became a source of stability, encouragement, and belonging.

Academic Growth and Personal Development

Alongside her studies, Tanya actively participated in sports and extracurricular activities, including kho-kho, quizzes, cultural programmes, and annual events. She also performed in theatre productions organized by the Trust, which helped her overcome stage fright and develop confidence in public speaking.

Tanya scored 65% in her Class 10 board examinations and chose the Humanities stream for her senior secondary education. With guidance from the Trust's counsellors and coordinators, she discovered a strong interest in Psychology as well as Travel and Tourism.

In her Class 12 board examinations, Tanya improved her academic performance significantly, achieving 75%. She subsequently appeared for several competitive entrance examinations, including the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) and the Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET).

A major milestone in her educational journey was successfully clearing the entrance examination for the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), one of India's leading institutions for undergraduate education in Travel and Tourism Management. Tanya has been shortlisted for admission and is preparing to pursue her higher education in this field.

Looking Ahead

Tanya's selection for IITTM represents far more than an academic achievement. It reflects years of perseverance, the determination to overcome social and economic barriers, and the impact of consistent care and educational support.

Today, Tanya stands on the threshold of higher education and a professional career in the travel and tourism sector. Her journey demonstrates how timely interventions, safe residential care, quality education, and sustained mentorship can empower vulnerable children to build independent and successful futures.

Through the support of donors and partners, Salaam Baalak Trust continues to create opportunities for young people like Tanya, enabling them to move beyond circumstances of vulnerability and realize their full potential.