From Silence to Leadership: How Life Skills Transformed Asma’s Journey

Asma* is a Grade 6 student at an Upper Primary School in a remote village in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh. For a long time, she remained on the margins of the classroom—quiet, withdrawn, and often absent. She rarely spoke during lessons, and there were days when she wouldn’t come to school at all. That was the reality of Asma’s early learning journey.

This began to change when the Vidya program was introduced at her school. The Educate Girls initiative which is built on the understanding that getting a girl into school is only the first step. To ensure she stays there and thrives, she needs more than just a seat in a classroom; she needs to feel that her voice matters. Through the Bal Sabha (Children’s Parliament), the program provides girls in Grades 6, 7, and 8 with life skills and leadership opportunities.

When the time came for the Bal Sabha elections at her school, Asma felt a flicker of curiosity. For the first time, she decided to step forward. Her peers recognised something in her that she had not yet seen in herself, and to her own surprise, they elected her as the Cultural Secretary.

The title brought with it a new sense of purpose. Suddenly, school was no longer just a place to sit quietly. It was a place where she had a responsibility to her peers. Her attendance became regular because she knew her school community was counting on her to lead. As she participated in sessions focused on confidence and problem-solving, supported by Tejas Networks Limited, her hesitation began to fade. She started asking questions, leading activities, and speaking with a clarity that was previously unseen.

The transformation has been remarkable. Today, Asma is no longer the girl who hesitates to speak. She has become a learner who not only participates in every session but also motivates other girls. As the Cultural Secretary, she manages school events with a level of poise that seemed impossible just a few months ago.

Asma’s journey is a powerful reminder that education is about more than just academic learning. It is about the holistic development that ensures a girl stays in school and thrives. Through the Vidya program, Asma has not only improved her attendance but has also prepared herself to face the world with confidence.

Her story illustrates that when girls are given the right opportunities and a platform to lead, they can break through their inner barriers. With the right guidance, girls like Asma are discovering their hidden potential and stepping into the light, ready to lead their communities toward a brighter future.

*Name changed to protect the identity of the minor.