Reality Gives Student
When she was younger, Asma told her mother she didn’t want to go to school. Now she is a valued student at the Reality Gives Youth Program, where she spends five days a week learning English.
“I have been through a lot of jobs in my life,” says Asma “a nurse, a photographer, a beautician. But I really want to be a fashion designer. The first thing I need to do is improve my English to help me get there.”
When she first arrived at the Community Centre, Asma spoke almost no English. “I was so nervous! I was asked to read a sentence and I just couldn’t. But now I understand a lot of English and my confidence levels are much higher.”
For Asma, the Community Centre has been the opportunity of a lifetime. “To be honest, I never dreamed I’d be able to speak English,” says Asma. “I love to come to class and chat with the group. Over the last six months I’ve improved so much and that makes me very happy.” Asma has been delighted by how friendly other students are, “people should come and experience the Community Centre for themselves – it’s a wonderful place.”
When she was younger, Asma told her mother she didn’t want to go to school. Now she is a valued student at the Reality Gives Youth Program, where she spends five days a week learning English.
“I have been through a lot of jobs in my life,” says Asma “a nurse, a photographer, a beautician. But I really want to be a fashion designer. The first thing I need to do is improve my English to help me get there.”
When she first arrived at the Community Centre, Asma spoke almost no English. “I was so nervous! I was asked to read a sentence and I just couldn’t. But now I understand a lot of English and my confidence levels are much higher.”
For Asma, the Community Centre has been the opportunity of a lifetime. “To be honest, I never dreamed I’d be able to speak English,” says Asma. “I love to come to class and chat with the group. Over the last six months I’ve improved so much and that makes me very happy.” Asma has been delighted by how friendly other students are, “people should come and experience the Community Centre for themselves – it’s a wonderful place.”
Reality Gives Student
Meet Sharda, a student on the Reality Gives Youth Program.
Originally from Karnataka, Sharda moved to Mumbai 15 years ago and lives in the heart of Dharavi with her husband and sons. “I come from a village,” says Sharda, “things are different in Mumbai. City life moves so quickly. It’s hard to keep up when people around you are speaking English. I needed to find a way to understand what was going on.”
“A friend recommended this English class to me,” she explains, “I love learning English – especially in class where we get to read aloud and do drama – that’s probably the most fun part.”
For Sharda, learning English was about more than just getting to know the city around her. “I have two boys at home and their English was much better than mine. I wanted to communicate with them more – now they practice with me so we can all improve together.”
The confidence and skills Sharda is building on the Youth Program have propelled her towards a new career. “I dream of being a teacher”, she says. “I need good English to achieve it. My family have been a great support to me. My sons and husband are proud that I am learning a new skill and that I have plans to build a career of my own. I am looking forward to learning more English and reaching my goal.”
Reality Gives Student
We are a charity providing future generations living in low-income communities with quality education since 2009.
© Copyright 2025 Reality Gives. All Rights Reserved.
We are a charity providing future generations living in low-income communities with quality education since 2009.
© Copyright 2025 Reality Gives. All Rights Reserved.
