A challenging start
Sixteen-year-old Aliabbas Siddhique Sache, from Lakshmi Nagar, Yerwada, faced significant academic struggles. Living in a small, vibrant home with his parents and three older brothers, Aliabbas felt the volume of his family’s expectations despite their limited financial resources. His father worked at a scrap shop, while his mother effortlessly took care of the household chores. The family believed in the power of education to create a brighter future and they placed their hopes on Aliabbas. However, his journey through school was far from easy.
Struggles and Disappointments
Despite his natural curious, Aliabbas struggled with academics. His 9th-grade results were barely passing and he had trouble retaining information. He loved reading more than writing, which made schoolwork feel like an impossible task. As he moved into 10th grade, his struggles only grew more pronounced.
“I was really anxious about my marks”. “When I failed my first unit test, my parents scolded me a lot.” The additional criticism from my brothers made me feel both overwhelmed and lost. – Aliabbas recalled.
The tension in Aliabbas’ life intensified. Every test and assignment seemed like a hurdle he could not overcome. His parents, though well-intentioned, grew frustrated with his academic struggles and their harsh words only added to his anxiety. He felt like a failure, constantly worrying about disappointing them.
Despite his best efforts, failure seemed to follow him at every turn. Each setback made him feel more isolated, as though no one truly understood his struggles. Aliabbas began to question himself if there was a way out of his academic struggle.
A Glimmer of Hope shines through CYDA
That hope arrived when a friend introduced Aliabbas to CYDA’s Community Resource Center in Salve Nagar. His mother, seeing a potential opportunity for change, allowed him to join CRC, believing it could offer Aliabbas more than staying at home. Hesitant yet hopeful, Aliabbas entered CRC for the first time, unsure of what to expect. What he found was a supportive, welcoming environment that made learning feel less like a burden and more like a chance to grow.
As soon as Aliabbas entered CRC, he felt a shift. The lively atmosphere, filled with activities and laughter, was a sharp contrast to the stress of school. CRC’s approach to learning was different. It was not just about textbooks and lectures. Instead, they combined study with fun, allowing students to engage in activities they enjoyed.
A new approach to learning at CRC
At CRC, Aliabbas found a teaching style that suited him. CYDA staff broke down complex subjects like Mathematics and Science into easy-to-understand parts.
“CYDA staff showed me easy ways to remember formulas and solve problems. Their personal attention allowed me to learn from my mistakes,” he explains.
This individualized approach of CYDA helped Aliabbas regain confidence in his abilities. The support he received from CRC did not stop with academics. The center also offered a range of extracurricular activities that allowed Aliabbas to develop other skills. He eagerly joined the ZP Inter-School Football Competition and the Akanksha Inter-School Football Competition. These experiences helped him develop leadership, teamwork, and discipline, giving him a sense of purpose beyond academics.
Transformation and Triumph
As time passed, Aliabbas began to see the fruits of his hard work. His grades improved, but more importantly, his mindset transformed. School, once a source of anxiety, became an arena where he felt capable and empowered. His confidence grew and the pressure he had once felt seemed more manageable. By the time his 10th-grade exams arrived, Aliabbas was ready to face them with a newfound sense of self-belief. He scored 62%, a significant improvement from his earlier struggles. The pride in his family’s eyes was more than just about the grades—it was evidence of his growth, determination, and the strength of CYDA that helped him reach this point.
A Brighter Future
The challenges he faced became stepping stones, helping him grow into a stronger and confident individual. He learnt to believe in himself, even when the road seems uncertain. Reflecting on his journey, Aliabbas feels immense gratitude.
“Every step of my journey has shaped me for something greater with the support of CYDA,” he says.
Aliabbas’ story is a powerful reminder of the impact of support and determination. It shows that, with the right guidance and a belief in oneself, no challenge is too great to overcome, and no dream is too distant to reach.
The valuable lessons and skills I have gained came from my experiences with CYDA, where I learned not only new perspectives but also practical approaches that have helped shape my growth and development – Aliabbas said
Youth Unit
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