Reality Gives Student
When Rishi sets himself a goal, he is determined to see it through. ‘I came down to Mumbai from Darjeeling about 8 years ago,’ he says. ‘I was working in a mobile phone shop when I saw Krishna, one of Reality’s Founders, on a tour. I really didn’t understand why foreigners would want to come here.’
After researching further, Rishi learned about Reality Tours. He hoped to get involved, and realised that learning English would be the first step for him to succeed. ‘I spent a year balancing working in the shop with learning on the Youth Program. After that it took about 2 years for me to become a tour guide.’
For Rishi, the job was worth the wait. ‘This is a great role because you get to talk to so many different people and learn a lot about the slum itself. I’d love to do more tours in the future, and spending time on the Youth Program has also encouraged me to go back into education and get some more training,’ he explains.
‘I’m just that kind of person. Whenever I get the chance to achieve something, I take it.’
When Rishi sets himself a goal, he is determined to see it through. ‘I came down to Mumbai from Darjeeling about 8 years ago,’ he says. ‘I was working in a mobile phone shop when I saw Krishna, one of Reality’s Founders, on a tour. I really didn’t understand why foreigners would want to come here.’
After researching further, Rishi learned about Reality Tours. He hoped to get involved, and realised that learning English would be the first step for him to succeed. ‘I spent a year balancing working in the shop with learning on the Youth Program. After that it took about 2 years for me to become a tour guide.’
For Rishi, the job was worth the wait. ‘This is a great role because you get to talk to so many different people and learn a lot about the slum itself. I’d love to do more tours in the future, and spending time on the Youth Program has also encouraged me to go back into education and get some more training,’ he explains.
‘I’m just that kind of person. Whenever I get the chance to achieve something, I take it.’
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.
