Girls’ Scholarship Program
Anita, age 15
New Delhi, India

Anita, a girl from an under-privileged family in New Delhi, recently fought for her right to gain an education. With four children and an annual family income of less than $400, Anita’s parents pressured her to drop out of school. Although Anita was a good student and wanted to pursue an education, her parents wished for her to be married and end her educational career at grade nine. Anita resisted their pressure. When she learned of Room to Read’s Girls’ Scholarship Program, she took action. Although the local scholarship selection committee had already finalized their choice for scholarship recipients, Anita approached them and made a strong case for support. Her persistence and heartfelt desire to gain an education won over the committee, which made an exception to allow her into the program and provided a tutor to help with her studies. Today, Anita beams with joy as she walks to school, and her future has been improved through the power of education. She has also become a positive role model for her younger sister.