Losing a father often means losing a part of childhood, and for 15-year-old Zubair Raza from Kolkata, it meant losing stability, comfort, and hope. After his father’s death, Zubair and his family were left in deep poverty, confined to a single-room home and dependent on his elder brother’s small income. School faded into the background as survival took over.

For Shivalingamma, the second eldest of four children, childhood has been shaped by responsibility and sacrifice. With a low family income, she often gives up her own needs to help her younger siblings. Providing three meals a day is a struggle, and educational expenses add to the family’s burden.

Muniraj’s world was shattered after his parents' separation, leaving him disheartened and falling behind in school.Raised by his grandparents in Sayalgudi, Tamil Nadu, he found hope through the Supportive Education and Empowerment Program (SEEP) at the Sevalpatti Evening Study Centre.