Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

The Courage to Learn

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.

Sponsor

Interested in sponsorship and experiencing friendship with a child in another part of the world?

Recent Posts

A Legacy of Firsts