My name is Manisha. I have 4 sisters. I was 14 years old when my father died. I was in 8th grade, when he died. After his death, I left schooling, because we didn’t have a bread earner in our house. I was afraid of going out of the house. My friend Zoya was a Kadam student. She told me about Kadam that it helps in the education of dropout students and provides facilities such as teacher for English, food kit, etc. She told me a lot more about Kadam. After hearing this, I wanted to come to Kadam, but I was hesitating because I had never left the house. Hence, Zoya explained me that if I want to study, I will have to learn to travel alone. At first I refused but my mother insisted saying that I should join Kadam as my father is no more and she is wouldn’t be able to educate me further. After hearing to my mother, I agreed to join Kadam.

When I first came to Kadam, I was very nervous, as Kadam was a new premise for me. I met Meera ben for the very first time then. I told Meera ben about my home and the environment of my home. On my first day in Kadam, I met my English teacher. I didn’t like to study much before I joined Kadam, but my teacher explained the importance of education in this competitive world. I understood the importance and gain confidence that I will study. I learned to speak Gujarati and I am learning English. I learned how to start a conversation, how to carry it further and how to communicate, especially with someone who elder to me. I got information about maturation and reproductive health. Especial what happens during maturation period, mood swings, health issues, hormonal changes, what to eat and nutritious food intake and hygiene care. I took office assistant training from Kadam. Currently, I am taking the training of a coordinator. I gained a lot of self-confidence. As a result, I gave the 10th grade exam through IGNOUS. Unfortunately I failed in three subjects. I felt really bad about this. Meera ben counseled saying failure teaches more then success. I reappeared in those three exams again and passed thoroughly. After passing 10th grade, I appeared for 12th grade exam. I passed in 4 subjects, and the result of one subject is yet pending. I am expecting a positive result.

When I joined Kadam, the people in my neighborhood used to make remarks and ask me where I was going? Earlier I used to get scared that what I will respond to them and their comments. Later on, I got learnt from the trainings, how to tackle such question or situations. Also Meeraben taught me how to tackle the stares as well. I got gender trainings. I learned that daughter and sons are equal but how the society differentiates them between girls and boys. For example; when girls are born, the family distributes cheaper sweets, but when a son is born they distribute expensive sweets. The society didn’t allow the girls to study or let out of the house. The girls didn’t even realize how suppressed they were. Their parents didn’t even ask the daughters before arranging their wedding. Gradually scenarios are changing. The girls are allowed to get their education. I got aware of girls and women rights. I progressed to a great extent after joining Kadam and by attending workshops and taking training here. The most important thing I learnt from Kadam is problem solving and decision-making. I live my life to my terms and don’t care much about what the society has to say about me. I am very grateful to Kadam for making me learn what I have learned and training me for future obstacles or hurdles.