My Story

Priya Varshini was born to very poor parents. Because they lacked resources, they prayed to have a son who could provide for them one day and change the financial situation of their family. Their prayers were answered when they gave birth to their first child: a son. Although they were poor, they provided for him like a prince—always making sure he had exactly what he needed.

After two years passed, Priya Varshini’s mother became pregnant again and they were eagerly anticipating the arrival of a second son. To their disappointment, Priya Varshini was born. Falsely believing that girls are burdens, they began to neglect her because she is a girl. Their plan for her life was to send her to school until she was a teenager and then marry her off to rid themselves of her. 

One of Priya Varshini’s teachers visited her home to let her parents know how well she was doing in school. To her surprise, Priya Varshini’s parents had no interest in hearing about her school performance and told her teacher that they planned to marry her off in a few years. Her teacher was immediately concerned for Priya Varshini’s wellbeing and reached out to our social workers for help. 

Our partners were able to intervene on her behalf. Your sponsorship allows Priya Varshini to go to school and live in a safe home where she is protected from neglect and illegal child marriage. She is safe, has access to nutritious food and education, and most importantly, she is being told truth: she is loved, she is valuable, she is worthy.