Roshini Prakash Yedke and her little brother, Amardeep, live in Padale in Maharashtra. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rohini was taking online courses through a Digital Training Resource Center run by Y4D Foundation, supported by Share & Care. During a virtual class, Rohini was asked by her teacher to turn on her camera. When she did, her teacher saw her little brother sitting at her side, fascinated by the computer. When asked about it, Roshini said that he was eager to learn about computers and became curious while attending class with her. Though Amardeep was not in her class or even part of her school, he was allowed to attend sessions and learn more about technology. Amardeep is continuing to build his interest and knowledge, growing in his curiosity each day!

Pooja Chandu Rathod, a brilliant 8th-grade student with aspirations to become a teacher, lives in a cramped single room with six other family members. Her father is a painter and cannot work during the monsoon season, and Pooja’s mother left when she was very young. Her family lives far below the poverty line, and her father struggles to provide for the large family on his sole income. Through the SPRJ Kanyashala Trust, Pooja was able to receive a scholarship from Share & Care, allowing her to thrive academically and participate in all her school activities. Her tuition, uniform, workbooks, stationery items, bus fees, sports equipment, and technology costs are completely covered, relieving her father of this financial burden. Through this help, Pooja is able to fully participate in her education, free from worry.

Mayuri Kaushik Kumar Rawal is a bright, ambitious 8th-grade student in Mumbai. Her father is the sole earner for her family of six, and as a florist making just Rs. 36,000 per year, he struggles to cover basic living expenses, leaving no room in the family’s budget for school fees. As an SPRJ Kanyashala Trust student, Mayuri received a scholarship from Share & Care, allowing her to not only stay in school but to have access to all the resources she needs to thrive. Her scholarship covers her fees, books, shoes, uniforms, stationery, sports equipment, and computer fees. Mayuri is doing exceptionally well in school, and she is active in all of her school’s competitions and activities. Share & Care’s support allows her to concentrate on her studies and continue working toward her goal of becoming a doctor.

Gayatri Shinde is a 9th-grader who lives with her parents in a rented room in the Asalpha village in Mumbai. She is a sincere and hardworking young girl who loves to dance and excels academically. Two years ago, her father, the sole earner of the family, lost his job, and the family has struggled financially since. Gayatri’s family struggles to pay their high rent and costly utility bills, together totaling roughly Rs. 6,500 per month for one small room. With his temporary job, Gayatri’s father was unable to pay her school fees, putting her at risk of dropping out. With help from SPRJ Kanyashala Trust, Gayatri received a Share & Care scholarship to cover the cost of her education, and her family will be free of any financial burden associated with it. Now she will be able to finish her schooling successfully, with hopes of one day becoming an Indian Police Service Officer.

Sakshee Mundee, a bright and kind 9th-grader, is a member of the Madhyamik Vidyalaya Mhalunge (Padale) digital lab in Maharashtra, supported by Y4D and Share & Care. When she first began taking classes and workshops at the lab, she was hesitant to touch any of the devices, worrying that she might break them. After receiving mentoring and instruction, Sakshee began gradually exploring the computers, and eventually, she was delighted to learn about all of the possibilities available to her through applications like Microsoft Paint, Word, Excel, and more. She now confidently creates spreadsheets, presentations, documents, and more with the help of a computer. Sakshee has improved her skills so much that she now helps other students get more comfortable interacting with technology, and in the future, she aspires to become a computer engineer. Sakshee’s ambition, curiosity, and determination are fantastic examples to everyone at the Padale digital lab.

Mr. Santosh Telawade is a teacher at the ZP school located in Pune in Maharashtra, where the Y4D Foundation has established a digital lab with the support of Share & Care. Initially, like many of the teachers, Mr. Telawade was unfamiliar with the digital resources and online teaching practices. Through teacher trainings at the digital lab, Mr. Telawade now feels much more confident using the computer, and is planning to incorporate software and other online resources into his teaching. He expressed deep gratitude for these new resources and is excited to use technology to connect with his students, help them learn more effectively, and continue to grow his digital skill set to better himself and his students.

Ankita Baburao Waghmare is one of four daughters born into a tribal community in the Washim District of Maharashtra. Though her home life was not conducive to education, Ankita was an academically excellent student. With support from Share & Care, LOLT has helped Ankita develop her confidence level, communication skills, and career-oriented mindset. Program leaders advocated on her behalf to convince her parents to send her to Amravati City for higher education, where she continued to excel and began preparing for the police recruitment exam. In December 2021, Ankita was appointed as Ladies Police Constable with the Pune Police Department, earning Rs. 25,000 per month, and she is currently working there as well as completing her degree. Her hard work, drive, and will to overcome all obstacles in her way are truly inspiring.

As one of three children from a poor family in the Walke village in Maharashtra, Sunny Rajendra Sawant had few educational options. His father is a daily wage earner and his income could not support Sunny in his goal to attend college. Through career workshops, classes, and counseling sessions, provided through LOLT and Share & Care, Sunny was able to create a plan to attend college and pursue his bachelor’s degree in hospitality management at Ramraje College in Dapoli. He was named a top student in his classes and was regularly acknowledged by faculty for his excellent academic performance. At the young age of 22, Sunny is already on the path to a promising career, and he is currently working at the Lemon Tree Hotel in Mumbai, earning Rs. 27,000 per month. Through support from Share & Care, Sunny has become a role model for everyone in his village, finding his passion, creating a plan, and working hard on the path to success.

Born in the remote Walke village of Maharashtra, Sarvesh Janardan Mhatre saw many of his peers drop out of school, face addiction, and struggle to earn a living wage. With support from Share & Care, Light of Life Trust (LOLT) ensured that Sarvesh had access to the resources he needed to complete his secondary schooling and make a plan for his future. The career guidance program and counseling sessions helped him build his confidence and choose a career in engineering. With financial support provided, Sarvesh was able to attend college and complete his degree with excellent marks. He is now working as a Junior Officer for the prestigious Godrej Private Ltd. in Mumbai, earning Rs. 29,000 monthly and reaching his goals and setting new ones each day.