At just 21 years old, Aamna has become the trusted ‘go-to’ person for families in her local community who need support with their children’s wellbeing and education.

As well as volunteering in a Child Activity Centre and doing community outreach work in vulnerable communities adjoining Delhi’s railway stations, she has recently enrolled in college to study a bachelor’s in social work – something she never thought would have been possible 18 months ago.

Before working with Railway Children India, Aamna’s day-to-day involved helping with household chores while living with her parents and seven siblings – a common way of life for girls from underprivileged families in India. After struggling to pursue formal education, she didn’t see much of a future for herself outside of
domestic work until she met one of our community outreach workers last year.

Aamna’s biggest achievement while working as a community volunteer was supporting a mother to enrol her three children into school. “When they moved here, the mother was very hesitant and didn’t want her children to have an education, but I spoke to her every day and convinced her to send them to the Activity Centre. The children improved so quickly, and it became so important to them that it pushed her to send them to school straight away. They have just graduated their first year and I’m so proud to see them thriving,” she said.

Looking to the future, Aamna hopes to continue pursuing her passion for working with children and families in the community and is grateful for the support from Railway Children India.

“Now, I’m going to college, and I can build my future. One day, I hope to be in a high position in the social workspace and continue to give back to my community. I never thought this would be possible – working with Railway Children India has meant that I can have dreams.”