Sumaiya, Chennai

The 14-year-old’s words are measured but the message is clear: I don’t want to leave school. But Sumaiya Begum, who is in Grade 9, stopped going to school once summer vacation ended in June. Seven months ago, her father was diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer. Since then, the family has been through an emotional roller coaster. Before the illness, Mohammad Sadath Ali worked at a car wash garage, his income barely enough to feed a family of three. Despite their indigent circumstances, Sumaiya’s parents sent their daughter, whom they adopted as a baby, to a reputed private school in Triplicane, Chennai. Both hadn’t finished school but understood the importance of education. Extended family members and friends tried to dissuade her father from spending on Sumaiya’s education saying what was the point when she was going to get married early anyway. Her father’s answer was always the same: I will support what my daughter wants. His illness, however, changed everything. The family couldn’t afford the medical expenses, leave alone Sumaiya’s school fee. They tried to get financial support for their girl’s education from the government and religious trusts but failed. 

Sumaiya’s English teacher approached Hope Unlimited for support as she did not want the ‘bright student’ to leave school. “Sumaiya works very hard and never hesitates to speak out when she has something to say,” says the teacher. With a scholarship from Hope Unlimited, the teenager will now be able to finish Grade 9. “We never expected to receive this help when all doors seemed closed. Allah has sent you to us,” said her mother, who is suffering from a neurological disorder and unable to go to work.

The teenager, who loves to play kabaddi and read books on science, wants to study medicine and become a gynaecologist. “I want to help women like my mother who couldn’t have a child,” says the quietly determined girl. 

(July 2019)

An Update 

In December 2019 Sumaiya's father passed away. As the mother had little financial means, extended family members wanted Sumaiya to drop out of school.  However, the girl's mother and teacher were keen that Sumaiya finished school. 

Since the family has very little means, the Trust has been supporting the family with a cash transfer every month since March 2020. This is also to ensure that the teenager, who is now in Grade 10, does not drop out. Besides, Hope Unlimited is paying her entire school fee for this year.

(August 2020)