A. Divya, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu
My family has been facing hardships since my childhood. My father, who suffered from mental illness after a head injury, went missing when I was just six years old. My mother became the sole breadwinner, but she also faced severe social stigma and harassment, leading to mental distress. Despite these challenges, I remained strong and supported my mother emotionally.
Due to financial difficulties, I had to discontinue my studies after higher secondary and join a Spinning Mill at Kanadukathan, Sivagangai district. I had to work for long hours under harsh conditions with low wages for 18 months to support my family and my younger sister’s education.
A turning point came in my life when I attended Life Skills Education training organised by ROSE, which TDH supported. This training helped me gain confidence, improve my communication skills, and build awareness on gender equality. Empowered by this, I counselled my mother and helped her to recover from mental stress.
Soon I became a youth leader, and started guiding my peers and contributing to our community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led awareness campaigns and helped three drug-addicted youths to rehabilitate and rebuild their lives.
Today, I have completed my Diploma in Agriculture, and I am preparing to get a job through appearing for a government exam. I am working in a private company and supporting my family and also continue working on social issues and ecological issues.
(TERRE DES HOMMES works to protect the health, hygiene, education, safety, justice, and dignity of children. Through its initiatives, the organisation has improved the lives of many children. As it marks 50 years of supporting children’s rights in India, the above case story reflects the meaningful change its work has created.)
