In India, countless girls in slum communities are forced to leave school as early as 14, often facing early marriage or being burdened with household duties, early pregnancies, or lacking essential resources to pay for high school and college.
Without education, these girls face heartbreaking futures that include domestic abuse and possibly begging to survive. Uneducated mothers struggle to provide educational opportunities for their children, which fuels a relentless cycle of generational poverty.
Together, we can break the cycle of poverty by turning young women’s dreams into college degrees, creating lasting change for them and their communities.
The Shaktidhaam Ashram staff have joined forces with ASMITA (Association for the Socially Marginalized's Integrated Therapeutic Action), a registered charitable trust established in 1998 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. ASMITA’s teams work daily in the poorest communities and have deep-rooted knowledge and experience with many families.
Achieving success as a first-generation college student is challenging, particularly given the severe poverty these young women face. The Ashram and ASMITA staff have established a support system designed to maximize each student’s success.
Discovering Young Women Driven by Determination and Dreams
ASMITA has identified 16 young women who have passed their college exams and are working part-time jobs to help fund their education. This demonstrates a strong commitment to their studies, which significantly increases their chances of success.
Building a Unified Foundation for Success
Each family has been carefully interviewed to confirm their commitment to supporting their daughter's college education. She’ll have a better chance of success when everyone shares the dream. Too often, young women are forced to drop out of college to help with family income or care for siblings. By ensuring the family is on board from the start, there is a far greater chance that the young woman will graduate.
Comprehensive Support and Continuous Guidance
The Ashram Staff and ASMITA will support these young women throughout their entire college journey by
Our goal is to raise $30,000 to pay the tuition for all of the 2024 Dreams to Degrees students, supporting them until they achieve their dream of completing college. Whether it takes 2 or 6 years, we will support them every step of the way.
We’ll also provide each young woman with essentials like clothing, books, supplies, and transportation. Every student has unique needs, and we’re committed to meeting them all.
They are putting in the work—holding part-time jobs, passing entrance exams, and maintaining good grades.
Now, this class needs your support to transform their dreams into a college degree that will open doors, create opportunities, and change the trajectory of their lives for good.
Each donor will receive regular updates on the girls’ progress, allowing you to be part of their journey and offer your energetic support as they grow and thrive.
This project is inspired and guided by Her Holiness Sai Maa and carries her blessings as well as support.
