From a child bride to an Anganwadi Worker, Jyoti’s journey is a testament to willpower

Jyoti’s journey from a young bride in a challenging economic situation to becoming an independent Anganwadi worker is a remarkable testament to her determination and the support she received from Pragati.

Growing up in a family of daily wage labourers, Jyoti’s life was filled with struggles and hardships. Her family’s financial condition made it difficult for her to continue her education, and at the tender age of 15, she was married off. The responsibilities of a household and her new family weighed heavily on her young shoulders. Still, Jyoti never gave up on her dreams of becoming self-reliant and contributing to her family’s well-being.

In the next three years, Jyoti gave birth to two daughters, who became the centre of her world. However, her maternal instinct only fueled her desire to create a better life for her family. She knew that education and financial independence were key to achieving her dreams.

It was during this time that she learned about Pragati, a program aimed at empowering women pass Grade 10 in her community. This camp offered educational opportunities and guidance to pass Grade 10 through open schools, giving women like Jyoti a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty. With the support and encouragement of her family, Jyoti decided to take a leap of faith and enrol in Camp Pragati.

Jyoti’s journey at Pragati camps was not without challenges. She had to balance her household responsibilities and childcare while attending classes and training sessions. But her determination was unwavering, and she poured her heart and soul into her studies.

After much hard work and dedication, Jyoti accomplished an incredible milestone by passing her 10th-grade examinations! Her family, especially her daughters, were her biggest cheerleaders. The feeling of pride and accomplishment was mutual as her family celebrated her achievement.

With her newfound education and skills, Jyoti was now equipped to fulfil her dream of financial independence. She decided to pursue a career as an Anganwadi worker, where she could make a difference in the lives of children and mothers in her community. Her compassionate nature and dedication to her work quickly made her a respected figure in her neighbourhood.

Jyoti now splits her time between her job at the Anganwadi Centre and caring for her two daughters, who look up to their mother as their role model. Jyoti’s journey from a young bride in a challenging environment to a strong, independent, and empowered woman is an inspiring story of resilience and determination. She stands as a beacon of hope for the women in her community, showing them that with the right support and determination, they too, can break free from the shackles of poverty and achieve their dreams.