“Whatever I am today is because of Calcutta Rescue and my mother”

says 21-year old Zeenat Praveen whiis just one of the star students of Calcutta Rescue. Born in a poverty-stricken home, her journey was not easy. Her father disowned her mother and five sisters because he wanted a son.

Despite their daily struggle, her mother promised herself that she will make all her daughters educated so that she can break the taboo that a girl is meant to do indoor work. Zeenat was 5 years old when she came to Calcutta Rescue’s School No 10. Here she did pre-school training to help her to join a mainstream school. From a very young age Zeenat showed keen interest in her studies. With constant support from Calcutta Rescue, she joined Savitri Partshala School, a government formal school in Kolkata where she completed her education. She often had to study by candle light as there was no electricity in her house. She never allowed any obstacles to come in her way. A bright and dedicated student, Zeenat completed her schooling with Calcutta Rescue nurturing her dream and helping her enter Victoria College, under Calcutta University for a 3-year degree course in Travel and Tourism Management. Now, she is waiting for her final year result. She believes that she will be able to score above 80%.

Zeenat then would like to do her Masters of Business Administration, (MBA), a 2 year degree course, specializing in Travel and Tourism. In the meantime, she has already started looking for part time work so that she can help her mother financially. She lives in a one room house with her mother and five sisters. Her mother works as a maid and her monthly income is 1500 per month (about $30. Cdn.)

Despite all hardship and struggle there is always a smile on Zeenat’s face.

“Calcutta Rescue is like God to me. Everything I have, I received here – my confidence, smile, happiness, friends, mentor, books, food, everything… It is like a family to me. I will always be grateful to Calcutta Rescue.”