Heena’s Story: From Setback to Success

When Heena talks about her journey, she does so with quiet confidence. A mother of two from Jaipur, she is now building a stable future for her family. Just a few years ago, however, her life looked very different.

After the sudden death of her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic, Heena felt completely overwhelmed. The responsibility of caring for her children fell entirely on her shoulders, and she struggled to see a way forward.

It was her mother who encouraged her not to give up. With that support, Heena began learning vocational skills at a local stitching centre so she could earn an income. There, she discovered the Pratham-Jameel Second Chance programme, which supports women and older girls to return to education and complete their Grade 10 qualifications.

Heena had left school at 15, after not passing her Grade 10 exams. Returning to study after a 19-year gap felt intimidating. Some people questioned why she was trying again. But Heena chose to focus on her goal rather than the doubts of others.

Balancing study with childcare and household responsibilities was challenging. With encouragement from her facilitators, she stayed committed, attending classes and preparing steadily for her exams.

Her hard work paid off. Heena achieved top marks in the Rajasthan State Open School examinations. When she received a congratulatory call from the state’s Education Minister, she initially thought it was a mistake. Only when her results were confirmed did the achievement truly sink in.

For Heena, the qualification was more than a certificate. It gave her confidence, independence, and new opportunities.

Today, she works as an insurance agent with the Life Insurance Corporation of India through its Bima Sakhi scheme, earning a steady income to support her family. She has also continued her studies and is preparing to complete Grade 12 in the coming years.

Heena’s message to other women is simple and powerful: it is never too late to learn. With support, determination, and belief in yourself, a setback can become the start of something new.

Her story reflects what is possible when women are given the chance to return to education and rebuild their futures with dignity and confidence.

Your support makes stories like Heena’s possible. Together we can help more women gain education, build skills and create brighter futures for themselves and their children. Click here to donate today.