Nelson Mandela rightly said, “Education is a weapon you can use to change the world”. Divya Shankar Alkunte lives in Gosavi Vasti, Hadapsar. She was ambitious and always dreamt of being a lawyer, but after the sudden death of her father, she had to give up her pursuit of education and drop out of class 10^th to support her mother. She had to take care of her two younger brothers and two sisters while her mother worked hard to earn a living.  Her dreams were shattered, and she had to sacrifice them for her family. But she didn’t realise that every sacrifice she made was not in vain and would pay off one day.

Under the Samruddhi project, a survey was being conducted to identify students from poor background and wanted to continue their education but out of poverty were unable to do so. One of our field animators came in contact with Divya, and after interacting with her, the field animator got to know of her story and her desire to study. Upon hearing this, our field animator met with her mother and informed her about our scholarship program. She was assured that her education would be looked after by the provided amount. 

After being provided with a scholarship, Divya continued her education in class 10 from a government school with the help of our Support class teacher.  She took interest in her studies and was a diligent and regular student in school as well as at our support class at Gosavi Vasti. She appeared for the board exam, and she obtained 74% marks and made everyone proud and also earned the confidence of her mother that she can do well. The scholarship that she has received has also helped her to overcome the financial barrier that limited her.  Now her mother is encouraging her to continue her studies and pursue her educational dreams.

After passing 10^th, Divya chooses Art Stream for admission to 11^th class. In the 11^th class exam, she got 75.80% marks. Divya appeared for the 12th board exam, and she obtained 82.70% marks. After completing 12th, Divya took admission for a BA Degree last year, and she is now studying in the first year of the degree. In the 1st semester, she got the ‘O’ grade in 2 subjects and an A+ grade in 4 subjects. Along with education, she has joined “Alex English Speaking Classes” by paying a Rs. 4000/- fee to improve her English communication. Divya was supported by a scholarship every year, and this year also for her further education under the Samruddhi Project. 

Testimony: 

Divya is saying that, “The scholarship support from Mashal under the Samruddhi project is really very helpful for my family and me. After my father’s death I used to stop my education due to bad economic conditions. I have four siblings, and my whole family is depending on my mother’s income. But due to the scholarship given by Mashal, my further education is going on, and I’m very grateful for that.”