“Ashayein” is a Hindi word which means “The Hopes”. It is evident from several instances in the world that the ones who live with the hopes despite any situation (tough or tougher) are the ones who come out with flying colours. Sughna, age 27, is one such person whose family faced several hardships in the country Pakistan from where the family migrated 20 years ago.

She is residing in Bheel Basti(society) which consists of immigrants from Pakistan, most of whom have now derived Indian citizenships. Sughna still awaits to be conferred with the citizenship of India and it’s the “ashayein” which keeps her going.

A mother of four children, she unfortunately got married at an early age owing to which deriving education became a challenge for her. She passed 10^th standard from Rajasthan State Open School (RSOS) but her involvement in household chores and upbringing children keeps her busy and takes a chunk of her time resulting into no time for anything for personal or self-development.

She wanted to study but was taken aback with several challenges which were addressed by Manjari Foundation who implemented Second Chance Education Program supported by Pradan and UN Women in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. The intervention in the month of September 2019 resulted in acknowledging her with the values which the second chance education can add in her life.

Counselling and regular meeting finally motivated her to get her name enrolled in the NIOS for 12^th standard exam in the month of December 2019. She hopes that the program will hone skills in her which can ensure a better future of her!!