Being able to escape from a lifetime of endless toiling, education
makes a lasting imprint on all children. Here is a snapshot of a few of
our success stories.
Shopping for new fashions and Designs? Keep an eye out
for Kusum's latest designs!
With a father who sold produce in
the village and a mother who stayed home with the kids, Kusum didn't
have much glamour in her life. In fact, when she looked around at the
other families in her village, she was pretty depressed: fathers working
long hours for little pay, mothers taking care of the family, both
powerless to change the course of their lives.
However, in 2000, Kusum and her family found a glimmer of hope -
Pardada Pardadi Girls Vocational School. There, as she learned English,
math and science, she also learned self-confidence, empowerment and the
value of social and financial independence.
While at school, Kusum began to sketch, and the school manager
quickly noticed her talent, encouraging her to take a fashion design
course. Just like that, Kusum's interest was sparked, and she had a new
dream to follow.
Kusum is now living a transformed life in a city almost 400 km away
from her village. After completing her 12th standards, Kusum was
accepted into a fashion design course at the Rai Foundation near Jaipur,
with all expenses sponsored by PPES. There, her life has completely
changed from what it was. Instead of spending her days in the field,
Kusum now is learning the glamorous and exciting work of fashion design.
In just three years, when her courses are complete, Kusum hopes to
continue her professional development by working in a renowned fashion
house in Delhi. She also can't wait for the chance to give back to PPES
by contributing to the marketing department as a designer.
Kusum's experience has been a wonderful one, and now her dream (well,
one of many!) is that even more girls from her village will follow her
lead to become socially and financially independent women.
From village to the skies Like all PPES girls, Chhaya was
born in a village where girls are unwanted and married off between the
age of thirteen and fourteen. But with her dreams to pursue higher
education and with the help of PPES, she has the opportunity to fly
high.
Born in 1990, Chhaya lived in a small village, Bichola, with her
mother, grandparents and younger brother. Her father was mostly absent,
which added a lot of stress to the family.
But Chhaya was not discouraged by her circumstances, and joined
Pardada Pardadi Girls Vocational School in 5th class and quickly became
a star pupil. She loved school, and went on to be sponsored to attend
SNDT College in the western Indian city of Pune to complete her 12th
class. She then went on to pursue her Bachelor in Arts from the Rai
Foundation in Jaipur, with a focus on their Air Hostess course.
After being interviewed in early 2009, it was clear Chhaya was
thoroughly enjoying her Air Hostess course. She loved learning about
the hospitality and travel industries, and was confident she would be
hired by the most prestige airline in India, Kingfisher Airlines. With
her confidence, intelligence and ambition, PPES is sure she will leave
her own mark in this patriarchal society no matter what she pursues.
Asha's Story For Asha (literally 'Hope'), life was once
without options. She spent the entire day in household tasks. She never
went to school. And she had no say whatsoever in her life.
Until the day she walked into the Pardada Pardadi Girls Vocational
School and destiny smiled. Within months, she picked up basic academic
skills. And with each passing day, her leadership skills blossomed.
Soon, Asha was declared the best student in class and flew to the US on
a two-month exposure program.
Today Asha teaches at the Pardada Pardadi school. She is financially
independent and secure. Her life revolves around multiple options. In
her village, Asha has become every little girl's living inspiration.
Her life is indeed full of 'Asha'...
Shopping for new fashions and Designs? Keep an eye out
for Kusum's latest designs!
From village to the skies
Asha's Story
