We are pleased to share the first updates from this most recent group of scholarship recipients in India. Please note the girls’ names have been changed in this report for their safety.
Ritvi, Age 16, Class 12 (Science)
Originally from the Munda Slum, Nilakantha Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Ritvi and her sister had a very painful childhood.
Their father, along with his family, forced them and their mother out of their home because they were daughters. With nowhere to go, they struggled for food, shelter, and education. Their mother did her best, but life was full of uncertainty.
For eight years, their father never returned to check on them.
Today, Ritvi is in college, studying science and working hard to build a bright future. She has developed an interest in learning, especially in mathematics and physics, and enjoys practical lab sessions. She is also actively participating in college activities, which have boosted her confidence.
With the care and support from Teach Her, and the funding from TWFF, Rashmi is living a stable and happy life, with a clear goal ahead.
Prisha, Age 15, Class 10
Prisha, from Sahadebdaspatana, Chandabali, Bhadrak, sadly lost both of her parents in a short span of time—her mother passed away in 2019 due to a heart attack, and her father died a year later from intestinal disease. With no one to support her, she moved in with her paternal aunt in Gangua Slum, Bhubaneswar. Life was unstable, and her education was at risk.
In 2022, Prisha joined PUSS in Class 8, where she found stability and a safe space to study.
Now, in February 2025, she is in class 10, appearing for her High School Certificate (HSC) Examination. She has become more confident in her abilities and is hopeful about her future, with gratitude to Teach Her and TWFF.
Latika, Age 14, Class 10
Latika, a native of Odisha, also suffered loss in her young life, with the passing of her mother two years ago, leaving her in a vulnerable situation. She was only 12 years old when she joined PUSS. Initially, she was withdrawn and struggled to focus on her studies. She had a tough time coping with the loss of her mother, and the uncertainty of her future weighed heavily on her.
Today, Latika is a confident student with a strong interest in technology and academics. She enjoys working on computers and learning about new software. She is determined to become an I.S. Officer in the future, similar to a police woman in the west. With the support of Teach Her and TWFF, she now has the guidance and motivation to work toward her goals.
Amina, Age 14, Class 10
Amina a tribal girl from Odisha, arrived at PUSS three years ago. She was struggling academically, finding it difficult to keep up with her studies. Coming from a remote village, she had limited exposure to education and lacked confidence.
However, Amina has worked hard and recently appeared for her Class 10 board exams. She is now waiting for her results with excitement and confidence. Her interest in science and mathematics has grown, and she dreams of becoming an engineer. Actually, if you ask her, she’ll say she wants to be a singer, but…just in case…she’s working hard in math and science.
Nyla, Age 21, Class ITI (Multimedia)
Nyla, a native of Odisha, lost her father years ago, and her mother developed a severe mental illness. She was taken in by the Missionaries of Charity, where she spent her early years without a proper family environment. She came to PUSS in 2019. In addition to these struggles, she was diagnosed with Hepatitis B, which made life even harder.
Despite all odds, Nyla is now studying ITI in Multimedia and dreams of becoming a skilled tech professional. She is passionate about graphic design and animation, and is constantly improving her skills. She has learned to manage her health condition responsibly and is living a positive and hopeful life. With The White Feather Foundation’s help, Nandini is completing her first year at college. We’re all anxiously awaiting the results.
Akshara, Age 16, College (Arts)
Akshara grew up in difficult conditions iafter her father abandoned the family. Her mother, despite struggling financially, worked in a small boutique to support her daughters. For years, they lived with their grandmother in the Trinathpalli Leprosy Colony, Choudwar, moving from one place to another with no stable home.
Now Akshara is pursuing Arts in college and enjoys subjects like history and literature. She has developed a love for writing and storytelling. Being in PUSS has given her a sense of security, and she no longer worries about her basic needs. She has a huge heart and a quick smile. With financial backing from Teach Her and TWFF to pursue more schooling, we’re excited to see what she can do.
Ahana, Age 20, Graduation (Arts)
Ahana came from a very poor family in Odisha, where education could never be a priority due to financial struggles. Despite her interest in learning, she knew that continuing her studies beyond elementary school would be difficult. When her father died, she assumed her schooling days were over.
Today, with support from Teach Her and TWFF, Ahana has not only completed her 12th in Arts, but she has moved on to pursue her graduation in Arts. She is passionate about education and aspires to become a teacher so that she can help other children like her. She also has a great burden on her shoulder to help support her family, so she is as motivated and driven as you’ll find in a young person.
We celebrate the remarkable progress from each of these girls and thank our monthly members of The Muse and one-time TWFF donors for their support in making these students’ dreams a reality.
The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls is in its 10th year, and we hope to make 2025 its strongest yet. If you’d like to become a member of The Muse, or make a one-time donation of $10 or more, please start here.
All photos used with permission, courtesy of our partners at Teach Her.
What a Great Work You do TWFF with The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship !! i really do admire You as well as the strength of all the girls! ♥️ 🌺
So much Gratitude to you and your partners. Recognition of each of these divine sparks will create such a world of difference for each one and their communities. Thank you for your presence. 🙏♥️✨💫🙌
So great to see these girls inspiring others.
Thank you for the support you’ve given them and the work we do here at Teach Her