Heena enjoyed attending school because she is intelligent. However, she was afraid to go there because the boys often picked on her. Heena wanted to focus on her education, but instead, she felt herself spiralling into depression.
There are high expectations for Heena to complete her education—something that her older sisters could not achieve. For Heena, schooling is her chance to have a different future from that of her mother and sisters, who work doing manual packaging at the garment factory.
Unfortunately, the bullying at school became too much for Heena, so she decided to drop out last year when she was 12 years old.
Heena shares a one-room shelter with her parents and three sisters in the Prakash Tekadi squatter community in India. It has iron sheets for a roof, plastic sheets for walls and a dirt floor. Outside are the sounds of people, horns and goats. As Heena sat in the dim room with unreliable electricity, she shared what she liked about the community.
Attending the Emmanuel Childcare Centre is one of her favourite early childhood memories. The centre is an initiative of our Relief and Development partner, Hosanna Ministries.
The program offers children living in the squatter community access to educational activities. In the morning, there is a focus on preschool, while the afternoon includes activities for both school students and those who do not attend school. Additionally, the children receive one meal each day.
While at the centre, Heena learned some basic pre-school English by reading, writing, and listening to songs. Then, she continued with her primary education at a local government school.
When the staff at Hosanna Ministries found out that Heena was experiencing bullying and had dropped out of school, they encouraged her not to give up.
With consistent support from Hosanna Ministries and collaboration with Heena’s parents, teachers, and a social worker, this year, Heena was accepted for enrolment at a private English-speaking school.
Heena’s childhood exposure to English at the Emmanuel Education Centre equipped her with skills and confidence, helping to open the door to private education. She is the first girl ever from the Prakash Tekadi community to get that opportunity!
Heena still has much to learn compared to the other children, so she receives extra support in the classroom. But now, Heena is studying in an environment where she can thrive.
Danny Gaikwad from Hosanna Ministries shared, “Seeing her go to school in a very well-dressed uniform and being able to speak good English, many parents from the community have started to enquire about admitting their children in English school.” Now, other families are looking to Heena as a source of inspiration.
Heena says, “I feel supported, and my family feels supported”.
Heena’s sisters have also received support from Hosanna Ministries, enrolling in the vocational training program for tailoring and computer skills. This assistance will enhance their future employment opportunities.
The transformation in this community goes beyond Heena’s story. Through Hosanna’s faithful presence, things are beginning to change throughout the Prakash Tekadi community.
Thanks to our partner’s loving presence and your generosity, there is hope.
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