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Meet ManishaManisha (pictured on the right, with her sister) is a happy girl living with her parents and siblings in the city of Kolkata. She is in grade 11 at a formal school called Shree Digambar Jain Balika Vidyalaya.

Manisha’s father, Mukesh, is a car driver and her mother, Urmila, is a homemaker. Her 14-year-old brother, Bishal, is in grade 10, and 8-year-old sister, Archana, is in grade 2. With her father’s meager income, her parents find it difficult to manage household expenses and almost impossible to provide for the educational expenses for their children. The family lives in a one-room rented house where they share a common bathroom with neighbors. Manisha is motivated to complete her education so that she can help provide a better life for her family.

Manisha has a passion for education and enjoys going to school. She believes that an education will help her to change her life and move confidently in the direction of her dreams. Manisha particularly enjoys participating in special music, arts and drama at her school. She aspires to be a teacher and to support her family. With Global Family support, Manisha is able to attend school and has the opportunity to lead a fuller life.

Favorite food: rice and vegetablesHobbies: singing and playing basket ballNews

The Indian government has launched a programme named ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan’ (UBA), under which higher education institutions are encouraged to take part in solving problems in India like sanitation and hygiene, water, health and education through the help of technology.

UpdateWest Bengal Education,in partnership with schools and institutions is working towards a holistic approach in bringing awareness of the environment, peace, education and income generation. Through this program, students are provided with school fees, hostel fees, text books and uniforms.

Manisha with some of her family members.

Manisha helps in the kitchen.

Spring 2015–IndiaWest Bengal Education

Report and Photos by Sushmita Ghosh