“With Mumbai Smiles, I realised the importance of education.” – Apsara (Case Study)

Apsara participating in Inter-school Science Fair

Name: Apsara Shaikh (14 years old)

Apsara Shaikh is a quiet 14 year old girl. Originally hailing from the city of Nanded, Maharashtra, Apsara and her family faced continuous hurdles and challenges. When Apsara was in the 1st Std., her alcoholic father took her away to his native place. However, after a long and cumbersome legal battle, she was reunited with her mother who won her custody. Apsara’s father then moved out to live separately with his second wife. Her mother along with her 3 siblings shifted to Andheri east 45 years ago for better employment opportunities. Today, her mother is working as a tailor, her elder sister is in college and also teaches part time, her elder brother is pursuing his H.S.C. studies, and her younger sibling in the 8th Std.

 Apsara was struggling to meet her educational needs because of severe financial crises at home. With a meager family income of just Rs. 4200, chances of financing for her education were faint. Her mother even advised her to drop out of school and assist in the household responsibilities. However, Apsara wanted to study further. It was during this time that she got to know about Mumbai Smiles’ Girl Child Education program and their scholarship initiatives through mobilisation meetings conducted in her school. Under this project, Apsara was considered eligible and received support in the form of scholarships to finance her education expenses and school fees. After successfully clearing the 9th Std. exams, Apsara is now pursuing her 10th Std. (S.S.C.) studies. She regularly goes to school, devotes her entire day in studies, and also helps her mother with the household duties.

Apsara at the UNICEF workshop (extreme right)

Under the Girl Child Education program, Apsara attended capacity building workshops where she understood the value of time and resources. She attended sessions on personality development, time management, coping with stress, and also workshops designed to help young children like Apsara in setting long-term goals. She also got the opportunity to attend a UNICEF workshop and a book launch where she interacted with other students. This boosted her self confidence tremendously and she has gained immense leadership skills. She now participates actively in school and community activities and aims to make her family proud.

Apsara (right) at the UNICEF Workshop

“With Mumbai Smiles, I realised the importance of education. They supported by paying me and my brother’s academic school fees which ultimately helped a lot to our family. Now my mother’s financial burden has been reduced to some extent. If Mumbai Smiles had not helped me in pursuing my education, I might have lost my self esteem and my future would have become dark. I am very thankful to Mumbai Smiles for providing me the educational support. Today there are so many positive changes are in my life. I gained lots of self confidence after attending various capacity building sessions. I came to know about various organizations who are working for weaker sections of society. Mumbai Smiles is doing an excellent job by providing various informative sessions to us. I request that please keep this good work going on as there are many students like us who are desperate to get education but cant fulfil their dreams due to lack of financial and proper guidance from family members.”