Goldie, Back2Back India Site Director, sat quietly while the young lady in front of her thought through her words. Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks as she looked at Goldie with big, brown eyes.

“My family doesn’t want me attending school,” she whispered sorrowfully. “But I want to learn.”

Goldie listened with empathy, knowing internally what she needed to do. 

Padma* was born to rag pickers – they collect remnants of thrown-out food and goods, reselling them for profit. Her family recently suffered the loss of her father, and Padma struggled deeply in the months following his loss; she couldn’t articulate her feelings and emotions. With time, she went to Goldie, vulnerably speaking about her emotions, sharing her hopes for her future, and discussing what her family wanted her to do instead.   

“I knew Padma needed another voice to advocate on her behalf,” shared Goldie. “She was trying to communicate clearly, but I wanted to help.”

Goldie went to Padma’s mother first, pleading with her to allow her daughter to attend school, to help her family out, to live out a dream. Her mom directed Goldie to Padma’s grandfather, who wanted different for his granddaughter. His immediate response was no, but Goldie wasn’t giving up easily.

“I remained calm and just asked him, ‘Can you give some grace to your granddaughter? Could you allow her to chase her dreams?’” Goldie shared.

With time, her grandfather softened, and Padma is now a year away from completing a Laboratory Technician course and already receiving job offers! When Goldie next saw Padma, the young girl’s features were brighter, her disposition lighter.

“My dreams are coming true!” she exclaimed to Goldie. “I am so comforted, and I feel strengthened.”

This is the power of advocacy in action for vulnerable youth – young adults can name a dream and chase after it. Padma’s bravery in asking for what she wanted has created ripples of change within her community. Local parents are rethinking their stance on education for their daughters, and more young ladies are pursuing higher education, less fearful to want more for themselves. This hope that does not stop will carry young adults further than even they can imagine. This is a victory.