Touching lives Education Pooja* hails from Kachigam (Gujarat). Having lost her mother at the tender age of 6, she had a testing childhood. She feared her step mother and struggled to sustain herself in an atmosphere that was devoid of love and care. In class 6, Pooja joined Atul Vidyamandir, a residential school for tribal students. The nurturing environment of the school helped her find solace, love and encouragement. Being in the midst of students from similar backgrounds made her feel that she at last had a family that she always yearned for. She has grown very fond of the school and often wishes to stay back, even during vacations. Now in class 10, Pooja is working hard to perform well in her exams and then pursue her further studies. Empowerment Jiten* is a resident of Pankala (Gujarat). The untimely death of his mother, ill temper of his father and financial adversities made life challenging for him. He ran away from home and started working as a daily wage worker. Finding it difficult to sustain himself, he started living with his grandparents and took up part time jobs like carpentry, diamond polishing and office errands. With meagre earnings, life seemed to be an unending struggle. In 2014, Jiten heard about Atul Institute of Vocational Excellence, a centre for skill development, particularly for tribal students. He decided to explore the opportunity with a firm resolve to work hard and make the most of it. For 3 months, he was trained in industrial sewing and was then placed in a reputed garment company through a campus interview. Earning ` 10,000 a month, Jiten is now living a life of his dreams. Atul Foundation endeavours to empower the tribal youth by imparting skills and in turn generating employment opportunities. Health Nanubhai from Haria (Gujarat) has a 35 year old ailing sister. Having undergone a brain surgery, his sister often has spells of dizziness and loses her balance. It was challenging for her to walk long distances to relieve herself and she required someone to accompany her, particularly at night and during monsoon. In an endeavour to prevent open defecation, Atul Foundation constructed an individual household toilet for Nanubhai and his family. With this facility, he is now at ease especially when his sister is alone at home. 19
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