When determination meets opportunity: Sweety’s journey

Sweety belongs to a small, remote village in Munger district, Bihar. Born with a locomotor disability, she used crutches all her life. Financial difficulties forced her to drop out of school after grade 6. Her family consists of six sisters and two brothers. After the sudden loss of her father in 2020, the family had to depend on her disability pension and her mother’s old-age pension. 

But Sweety’s spirit remained unbroken. Determined to support her family, she learnt sewing and began earning by taking orders from her neighbours. She also helped her mother manage household chores.

One day, Sweety’s neighbour told her about Educate Girls and the nearby Pragati camp. Sweety always wanted to complete her grade 10, so she joined immediately. Although she was initially hesitant about learning after a long gap, with the help of the Pragati Prerak, she soon grew confident, acquiring essential skills such as communication, leadership, and digital literacy.

Alongside her education, Sweety continued sewing for work, so she could provide for her family and support herself. Her decision to complete her grade 10 sparked hope in the village, motivating other girls to continue their studies. 

Today, Sweety has transformed a corner of her home into a small sewing centre, where she trains other young girls. Her dream is to open a fashion design centre to empower more women with sewing skills so they can gain financial independence.

She says, “Educate Girls played a huge role in whatever I am able to do today. They taught me to dream and make those dreams come true.” 

Sweety’s journey is a shining example of resilience, proving that with willpower and the right support, no dream is too small.