Daniel Raj

About Me

In the early years of my life, my parents faced immense challenges trying to cover the costs of my sister and my education. It was a time when our dreams of attending school and college seemed uncertain. Fortunately, through the grace of God and the incredible support of Compassion India (Caruna Bal Vikas) NGO, my sister and I received sponsorship that enabled us to complete our education.

This journey allowed me to see myself reflected in the eyes of these underprivileged children who face similar hurdles today. I believe that with the right support, we can pave the way for their success and bring about positive changes in their lives. To address this pressing issue head-on, I have taken the initiative to launch a fundraising campaign in association with the upcoming Tata Mumbai Marathon.

This year, we are committed to supporting these same 31 girls, ensuring their continued education and growth. With additional funds, we aim to extend this support to even more girls, giving many more the chance to change their future.

Your contributions can make a profound impact on these children's lives, giving them a chance for a brighter future. I kindly ask you to consider sharing this initiative with your friends and family, allowing them the opportunity to contribute directly to my fundraising page. Together, we can make a significant difference and provide these children with the education they need to build a better tomorrow.

Appeal

During my visit to the Shravasti district in 2023, I was profoundly moved by the potential of young girls, aged 18 to 23, who are part of United Way Mumbai’s Empowering Women Entrepreneurship (EWE) Project. Their stories revealed both resilience and hardship, as many had been forced to drop out of school between the 5th and 12th grades due to circumstances beyond their control.

In conversations, these courageous girls shared tales of extreme poverty and gender discrimination that had closed doors to their education. I vividly remember Asha, a 22-year-old who had to abandon her schooling after 9th grade because her family could not afford the Rs.4000 fee for her 10th-grade enrollment. Despite such barriers, what stood out was their undiminished desire to learn and build a better future.

These young women, empowered by skills and determination, are striving to overcome these challenges. But many others, lacking such support, still hold on to the dream of an education. This is where we can step in and make a life-changing difference.

Through the Empowering Girl Children’s Education Project, we can provide critical educational support, empowering young girls to break free from poverty and prejudice. I appeal to your generosity in supporting this mission. Your contribution can open the doors of education for these girls, helping them achieve the dreams they so fervently nurture. Together, we can ensure every girl has the chance to reach her full potential, regardless of her circumstances.

I am thrilled to share that, through the Secret Santa Mission – Empowering Girl Children’s Education Project, and with support from the UWM Tata Mumbai Marathon fundraising platform, we raised Rs. 326833 last year. Thanks to 25 compassionate donors, we were able to re-enroll 31 girls who had previously dropped out of school and college. This initiative provided them with tuition fees, uniforms, stationery, and transportation, enabling them to continue their education with dignity and hope.

This year, we are committed to supporting these same 31 girls, ensuring their continued education and growth. With additional funds, we aim to extend this support to even more girls, giving many more the chance to change their future.

Your support has not only transformed these girls’ lives but has uplifted their families and communities. The UWM project team has been pivotal, working closely with families, schools, and the girls themselves to provide year-round guidance and mentorship, ensuring these young women stay on their educational path. Today, they are back in schools and colleges, filling classrooms with their dreams and determination in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh.

As the saying goes, “Educate a woman, and you change the future.” Let us keep this movement alive. Please consider sharing it with friends and family, encouraging them to join us in supporting even more girls in the 2025-26 UWM Tata Mumbai Marathon.

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