In the bustling city of Mumbai, amid the towering skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls, lies a hidden world of poverty and struggle. Jobin Chandi first encountered this world when he visited the slums of Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slum areas. He was struck by the stark contrast between the wealth of the city and the dire conditions in which the residents of Dharavi lived. But what caught his attention the most were the children, particularly the girls, who were deprived of a basic education.
Jobin quickly realized that for these low-income families, education was a luxury they could not afford. Many of the girls were forced to drop out of school to help their families by working or taking care of younger siblings. This deeply troubled Jobin, and he decided to take action to bridge the gap between these girls and the education they deserved. He started by creating an after-school program in Dharavi, where girls could come and continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. The program offered tutoring in core subjects like math, science, and language, but it also focused on life skills and vocational training. Jobin wanted to ensure that these girls were equipped not just with academic knowledge but also with practical skills that could help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
The program faced numerous challenges—space was limited, resources were scarce, and the girls often had to juggle their studies with household responsibilities. But Jobin’s perseverance paid off. Slowly, more girls began attending the program, drawn by the promise of a better future. One of the girls, Ayesha, who had dropped out of school at the age of 12, returned to her studies through Jobin’s program. She excelled in her classes and eventually passed her high school exams with flying colors. Ayesha now dreams of becoming a teacher so that she can give back to her community in the same way that Jobin did.
Jobin’s role in educating girls from low-income families in Dharavi has created ripples of change throughout the community. By bridging the gaps in education, he is helping these girls build a bridge to a brighter future—one where they can achieve their dreams and lift their families out of poverty.