A while ago, Karishma’s family could not afford school uniform, books and basic stationeries for Karishma, and she had to skip school. Through Asian Aid’s project, her family was supported her with some chickens that gave them some income to purchase basic exercise books and pens and go to school regularly. Karishma maintains personal cleanliness and discusses with her friends as well about the importance of cleanliness. Her parents are happy and expressed their gratefulness to her sponsor for supporting their child’s development.
All this in the span of 3 years, since 11 year-old Karishma became a child activist in her community through Asian Aid’s project in Nepal.
There are very few, if at all, economic opportunities in the area were she lives with her family, and most people practice seasonal migration to India and the Middle East. Children also usually travel with their parents to earn a livelihood. Karishma’s father works in the Middle East, but Karishma has been able to stay back and go to school.
Karishma was interested to be child activist because she knew it will help her continue her education and improve her skills.
After she was selected as a child activist, she began engaging in child protection activities conducted in the school and gradually some changes are seen in her. She is more regular to school after her parents have understood the importance of her education. Her days have been blessed through the impact of sponsorship.
As a child activist, Karishma attends schools regularly and participates in group discussions of child activists. She wakes up at 5 o’clock every morning and leaves for school at 6. She walks to school, and it takes her around 20 minutes. She carries lunch with her, and it is usually khichdi, potato, gram and soybeans. After her classes at school, interspersed with playing with her friends and reading books, she heads home. Evenings are much busier, and after a light meal, she studies, does her homework and helps her family with household chores like tending to chickens and taking care of her younger brother. During weekends too, she does her homework, washes her clothes, cleans the house and helps her grandma and mother with whatever chores she can do.
Karishma is learning to be empowered and be equipped with skills that will stand her in good stead all her life, through the power of child sponsorship. If you would like to be a part of the journey of children like her, join our Walk A Day With Me campaign.
