I was a well-behaved and obedient student, which is why my teachers liked me. I completed my studies up to grade 12 at my village school, Kapilvastu Rastriya Secondary School. I want to pursue a bachelor’s degree and serve my community, but I fear my dream will remain just a dream,” said Basmati Bhar.

Basmati is 18 years old and belongs to the Bhar community, where most girls marry by the age of 14 or 15. She is one of the few girls who is still studying and striving to become an educated woman. Her family consists of four members: her father, mother, brother, and herself. The family used to depend entirely on her father’s income, but he is now suffering from paralysis. Consequently, her mother works as a daily wage laborer. Her 16-year-old brother and Basmati herself are still studying, though they work during holidays to help out. However, a large portion of their income is spent on their father’s medication.

Now, her mother has reached a point where she can no longer afford the tuition fees. Her mother told her, “I need to save money for your marriage now that you are 18.” While marriage is her mother’s dream, education is Basmati’s. She needs Rs 50.000 (€ 300,00) per year to continue her studies. As a result, Basmati is deeply anxious about her future.