My Story

Arpitha’s father was very close to his own mother and she had great influence over him and his decision-making. She raised him to only value sons—teaching him that only boys deserved to be educated, and daughters should be uneducated, married young, and work to support their families. 

When Arpitha’s mother became pregnant, she hoped, along with her husband, that they would be blessed with a son. According to their wishes, they had a son and they celebrated him greatly with all kinds of gifts. Soon after, Arpitha’s mother became pregnant again and gave birth to Arpitha. While Arpitha’s mother loved her, Arpitha’s father was greatly disappointed that she was born and began to neglect her because she is a girl.

As Arpitha grew, her mother desired to send her to school, but her grandmother and father rejected the idea of her being educated. They decided Arpitha would be married off at the age of 15. Desperately wanting to care for her daughter, Arpitha’s mother found our social workers and shared her story.

Our social workers were able to confront Arpitha’s father for his negligence and, ultimately, intervene on her behalf. Your sponsorship ensures Arpitha is enrolled in school and receiving a good education rather than becoming a child bride. It also ensures she receives ongoing counseling and support from our social workers who will teach her the value and worth of being a girl.