Quality Education Ends India's Social Inequality

"On my first day at Shanti Bhavan, Auntie Raji, our preschool teacher, gave the class ten pieces of chocolate and encouraged us to share with our new classmates. Soundarya, my future best friend, immediately turned to me, and offered me half of her chocolate. From that day forward, I’ve continued to find more joy in sharing with my classmates than receiving an individual gift," Shiney reflected at the GlobalGiving offices last week. Now, as a junior in high school, she and her classmate Kishore, shared the Shanti Bhavan culture of generosity, love, and gratitude with everyone they met on their recent trip to the US.

After speaking at the Tufaan dance competition in Chicago, Shiney and Kishore met the GlobalGiving Team in DC, which was quite the treat as we celebrate our 6 month anniversary of being listed as a "Superstar" on the GG platform! They told stories of growing up at SB and shared their ambitions for the future: Shiney will become a pediatrician and Kishore a tech entrepreneur. They helped us all to pause and reflect on what an education can provide. 

Shiney ended her speech with a brave proclamation for her future: "Today, I am a brave and independent young woman, and I will continue to fight for what I believe in. Shanti Bhavan has taught me the value of confidence, fearlessness, and equality. I will fight for my mother so that one day, my daughters will never be forced to live a life they didn't choose."

It is because of your support that our children believe their dreams can become a reality. It is because of people like you that our girls grow up to be powerful young women. The Shanti Bhavan family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.

Yours truly,

Meg VanDeusen and the Shanti Bhavan Team