In the rural village of Jhikarhati West in Pakur district, Jharkhand, opportunities for girls to access quality education remain limited. Many families are first-generation learners, and financial constraints often prevent children—especially girls—from reaching their full potential.
For 12-year-old Juhina Khatun, however, education has become the foundation of a brighter future.
Living in a small two-room house with her parents and eleven siblings, Juhina’s home is always bustling. With thirteen family members sharing a limited space, finding a quiet place to study is a challenge. Yet, her enthusiasm for learning has never wavered.
Juhina enrolled at the IIMPACT Girl Education Centre in Jhikarhati West in August 2022. Supported through the CSR initiative of Kotak Mahindra Bank, the Learning Centre provides quality education to girls from underserved communities, helping them build strong academic foundations while nurturing confidence and life skills.
When she first joined, Juhina was an average learner. Through regular attendance, dedicated teachers, and her own determination, she has steadily grown into a confident Class IV student. Today, she reads Hindi fluently, expresses her ideas with confidence, and continues to improve in Mathematics, English, and Environmental Studies. Her teachers describe her as disciplined, respectful, and eager to help others.
But what makes Juhina’s journey truly inspiring is what happens after school.
Inspired by her teacher, Juhina often gathers her younger siblings and neighbourhood children to create a classroom of her own. She happily takes on the role of a teacher, explaining lessons, asking questions, and encouraging younger children to learn. What begins as play reflects her growing confidence, leadership, and belief in the transformative power of education.
Her dream is simple yet powerful—to become a teacher and help other children learn.
Education has already created a positive ripple effect within Juhina’s family. Her elder sister, Hamida, is also an alumna of the same Learning Centre. She is now studying in Class IX and continues to build her confidence and leadership skills through IIMPACT’s Arambh Manch alumni programme.
Seeing her sister continue her education has strengthened Juhina’s belief that she too can achieve her dreams.
Juhina’s story is a reminder that when girls receive access to quality education, they gain much more than academic knowledge. They develop confidence, leadership, aspirations, and the ability to inspire others around them.
Be a Part of Her Story
Across rural India, countless girls face barriers similar to those Juhina has overcome. With the right support, these girls can remain in school, complete their education, and build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Every contribution towards girl education helps make this possible. It provides trained teachers, learning materials, safe learning spaces, and opportunities for girls to discover their potential.
Today, Juhina is a young student with a dream of becoming a teacher. Tomorrow, she could be the mentor who inspires many more children to believe in the power of education.
Because when a girl learns, her future changes—and so does the future of her community.
