Enabling Transformation Breaking Barriers to Touch the Sky

Sandhya Kumari, a resilient young woman from Delhi, grew up in a family of seven—her parents, four sisters, and a brother. Financial hardship and her family’s norms held her back. Despite the challenges, Sandhya was determined to create a different path for herself.

Her younger sister was married off at a very young age due to societal pressure, and Sandhya faced a similar fate. Yet Sandhya refused to let her circumstances define her future. A turning point came when she connected with Saksham, an initiative by Plan India to provide vocational and soft skills training to empower underprivileged youth and connect them to dignified livelihood opportunities.

For Sandhya, this was the spark she needed. Sandhya’s aspirations far exceeded the limited prospects available to her. Recognizing her drive, the Saksham team introduced her to retail training, equipping her with foundational skills for the workforce. Encouraged by Saksham program’s unwavering support, Sandhya pursued higher education, eventually earning a graduate degree. Soon she secured her first job as a sales promoter at a corporate, marking her entry into professional life.

While her initial role gave her invaluable experience, Sandhya- the Saksham Graduate- aspired to achieve more. She continued to seek opportunities for growth, leveraging the guidance and resources provided by Saksham. Her determination paid off when she secured a position as an actuarial analyst at AXA XL, a globally renowned multinational corporation.

Sandhya’s story of breaking traditional barriers and becoming the first girl to gain professional success in her family has become a guiding light for other families in her community.

Would you like to help initiatives like Saksham in helping underprivileged individuals unlock their potential and build dignified livelihoods?