At a very young age, the girl faced significant adversity within her family, including financial hardships and struggles with education, especially in Mathematics and Science. However, CYDA’s support and guidance brought a transformative change in her life, boosting her confidence and helping her successfully overcome these challenges.
“The challenges our family faced were significant after my father passed away,” Shanta recalls, highlighting the difficult journey she has endured.
Family struggles
Shanta Raju Rathod, a 16-year-old girl, lives with her mother, two sisters, and brother in Yerwada, Pune. Her family moved to Pune from Yadgir years ago, driven by hopes for a better life. Her parents worked tirelessly in low-wage jobs, striving to provide for their family’s basic needs. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, their world turned upside down. Shanta’s father, already battling health issues exacerbated by alcoholism, fell gravely ill. The family returned to their hometown, Yadgir, hoping for a reprieve, but their days were filled with anxiety and despair as they watched his health decline.
After her father’s untimely death, the family returned to Pune in March 2021, facing a landscape of emotional distress and financial strain. Shanta felt a profound sense of loss and uncertainty about their future. Her mother, burdened with the weight of grief and newfound responsibilities, courageously resumed her job as an unskilled laborer, determined to keep their family afloat.
Shanta’s growth through the Community Resource Centre
When Shanta was in grade 7, her cousin introduced her to the Community Resource Centre (CRC), marking the start of a transformative journey. She fondly remembers her first day, a moment of warmth and creativity, where she eagerly participated in crafting paper flowers for an upcoming event. This simple task became the gateway to a new chapter in her life.
The Community Resource Centre became a cornerstone of Shanta’s journey towards self-growth and empowerment. Here, she discovered martial arts, which fostered discipline and bolstered her confidence. On the other hand, Shanta was an average student who struggled with subjects like Mathematics and Science, feeling discouraged because her family could not afford private tutorials due to financial difficulties.
However, the Community Resource Centre became her beacon of hope. CRC staff employed innovative teaching methods, turning complex topics into engaging and enjoyable lessons through hands-on activities and relatable examples. Their friendly and supportive approach not only simplified learning but also boosted Shanta’s confidence, helping her overcome her academic hurdles with enthusiasm and determination.
Staff at CRC are very friendly and teach difficult subjects using fun activities. Their unique teaching methods made learning enjoyable and accessible for her – says Shanta
Shanta’s determination to pursue education against all odds
With the friendly and supportive academic guidance provided, Shanta improved her performance and successfully passed her 10th-grade exams, achieving an impressive 53% in the year 2024. She faced more challenges after finishing 10th grade. Her mother did not want her to continue her studies because of financial constraints and societal pressure. These pressures included the belief that girls should prioritize household responsibilities over education, the expectation of early marriage, and the idea that limited family resources should be spent on boys’ education rather than girls’. But Shanta’s love for learning and determination helped her convince her mother. She chose to study commerce and joined a multiskilling course. Shanta dreams of gettinga higher education and helping her family, hoping to break the cycle of poverty and hardship.
Reflecting on her journey, Shanta says, “Here at CRC Center, I feel the freedom. CRC is like a family to me.”
Despite the adversities, Shanta’s resilience and the unwavering support from CRC have transformed her life. She found a second family in the CRC community, which provided her with the tools and encouragement she needed to succeed. Shanta continues to strive for excellence in her studies and hopes to provide a better life for her family, fulfilling her dreams and aspirations.
“I want to help my family and break the cycle of hardship we have been living in,” Shanta says with hope in her eyes.
She dreams of continuing her education, obtaining a higher degree, and creating a better life for herself and her loved ones. In the face of adversity, Shanta has found hope, strength, and a path toward a brighter future. With the support of CRC, she is no longer just surviving—she is thriving, determined to make a lasting impact on her family and the world around her.
