By Asha Shridhar | Executive Director
This quarter, eight visually impaired young women continued their education journey with determination, courage, and renewed confidence — made possible by the generous support of donors like you. For many of these girls, higher education once felt out of reach due to financial constraints, lack of accessible learning materials, and limited family resources. Today, they are not only attending college but actively shaping their futures with independence and ambition.
Through the Higher Education Support initiative, one student is currently pursuing Grade 11, three are in Grade 12 preparing for their board examinations, two have begun their first year of undergraduate studies, and two are in their final year of college, standing on the threshold of graduation and career opportunities. Each of these milestones represents more than academic progress — it represents resilience and the breaking of long-standing barriers faced by girls with visual impairment.
Your support has helped cover essential needs such as tuition fees, hostel and food expenses, accessible textbooks in Braille, audio, and digital formats, as well as assistive technologies like smartphones, laptops with screen reader software and DAISY Players. These tools allow our students to study independently, complete assignments on time, participate confidently in classrooms, and reduce reliance on others. Alongside academic assistance, mentoring and counselling sessions have strengthened their self-confidence, communication skills, and readiness for the wider world.
This quarter, we are proud to share that all eight students remained enrolled and engaged in their studies, achieving a 100% retention rate. Teachers have observed greater participation and improved performance, especially as the girls grow more comfortable using digital learning tools. The two final-year students have begun preparing for graduation and exploring career pathways, a powerful step toward financial independence and leadership within their communities.
One student beautifully captured the change this support has brought to her life: she shared that she once depended on others to read lessons aloud, but now studies independently using her laptop and audio books. Her dream is to become a teacher and help children like herself. Stories like hers remind us that education is not simply about passing exams — it is about dignity, confidence, and the freedom to dream.
In the coming months, the program will focus on exam preparation for senior students, expanding access to digital learning tools, and providing career guidance and placement readiness support. Our commitment remains clear: no girl should have to discontinue her education because of disability or financial hardship.
Thanks to your generous support, eight young women are not just continuing their studies — they are building brighter, self-reliant futures. Thank you for believing in their potential and for standing beside them on this journey. Your generosity is creating lasting change, one student at a time.
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