Stories of Resilience
The Pehchan community is defined by hundreds of stories of grit and transformation. Many of our early graduates have gone on to launch their own initiatives to make education accessible to others. Here are a few of their journeys:
Barira
A mother of two, Barira attempted her 10th-standard exams in 2024 but was prevented from attending by her husband. Undeterred, she joined Pehchan in 2025 to sharpen her language skills and reclaimed her goal of finishing school. Despite significant domestic challenges, she is currently preparing for her exams with renewed determination.
Zoha
Following in the footsteps of her two elder sisters—who studied from home due to family restrictions and passed their exams with first-division honors—Zoha sought more. Her sisters advocated for her, insisting she be allowed to attend the Pehchan center in person. Witnessing Zoha’s academic growth, her parents have now become her biggest supporters and are preparing to send her to college.
Sana
After her father went missing amidst a mental health crisis, Sana stepped up to support her mother. While continuing her 10th-grade studies, she completed a beautician course to provide financial relief for her family. She is now working while simultaneously preparing for her 12th-grade examinations.
Sumayya
A dropout after 7th grade, Sumayya joined Pehchan in 2012. She cleared her 10th and 12th boards with first-division marks, went on to complete her B.A. and Nursery Primary Teacher’s Training, and began a career in teaching. After a brief hiatus to raise her children, she is now pursuing her M.A. at Jamia Millia Islamia.
Rukaiya
Despite a childhood marked by financial hardship and her parents' divorce, Rukaiya completed her 12th grade through Pehchan and trained as a nurse. Though she faced a difficult marriage and a lack of spousal support, she secured a position as a lab technician at the airport and remains a self-sufficient professional.
Mubina
After losing her father and facing domestic violence in her marriage, Mubina used her education from Pehchan to rebuild her life. She has worked at Kidzania for nearly seven years, where her hard work saw her promoted to the rank of Manager.
Ruheen Nisha
The daughter of a daily-wage laborer, Ruheen dropped out after 6th grade. Through Pehchan, she completed her schooling and received financial assistance to study Fashion Designing at Delhi Women’s Polytechnic. After a stint as a lecturer, she now manages a home-based stitching business while caring for her young child, with plans for future expansion.
Shabnam Qureshi
Having never stepped foot in a formal school, Shabnam’s journey from illiteracy to a Class 10th certificate was an immense challenge. With the dedicated support of Pehchan’s teachers, she completed her 12th grade, earned a Diploma in Graphic Designing, and finished her B.A. She has now been a professional graphic designer for seven years.
Muskan
Hindered by the distance to the nearest government school, Muskan turned to Pehchan to complete her 10th and 12th grades. She initially worked as a teacher before specializing in physiotherapy. Today, she is a healthcare professional who supports her family financially.
Namra
An aspiring lawyer, Namra is currently volunteering as a Social Sciences teacher at the center while pursuing her dream of understanding the legal framework to advocate for citizens' rights. She is already financially independent through her tutoring work.
Hina and Zoya
Recent graduates of the 12th-standard board exams, these two young women are currently undergoing professional training to launch careers as beauticians.
Sumaiya
When the pandemic forced her back to her village, Sumaiya continued her studies via WhatsApp. She returned to Delhi just a day before her exams and passed Class 10th and 12th with first-division marks. She is now enrolling for her graduation through IGNOU.
Anam Saifi & Areeba Shahid
Having never stepped foot in a formal school, Shabnam’s journey from illiteracy to a Class 10th certificate was an immense challenge. With the dedicated support of Pehchan’s teachers, she completed her 12th grade, earned a Diploma in Graphic Designing, and finished her B.A. She has now been a professional graphic designer for seven years.