Dhanashree relies on the healthy, balanced meals

Thirteen year old Dhanashree studies in the 6th grade at a local government school. She and her younger sister have been raised almost exclusively by their aunt after their mother left them with her many years ago, only making infrequent visits to see the girls ever since.

Dhanashree is very protective of her sister, and tries to be as helpful and hardworking as possible to contribute to the family.  Her aunt was left by her husband because she was unable to have children, so she treats Dhanashree and her sister like they are her own daughters.

Yet, as hard as she works to care for them, it is difficult for a single woman in the slums to manage the responsibility of raising and feeding two growing children, especially as Dhanashree’s aunt is uneducated and is only able to secure work as a day laborer working on construction sites for about 2,000 rupees ($40) per month.

As a result, Dhanashree relies heavily on the Ashraya Initiative for Children’s Education Outreach Program for support that comes in a variety of forms.  Most tangibly, however, she benefits from daily meals, which always include chapati (flat bread), bhaji (cooked vegetables), a boiled egg, fresh seasonal fruit, yogurt and several other items. Without the meals and snacks that Dhanashree receives at the AIC Education Outreach Centre on a daily basis, she would have a difficult time focusing on her studies and breaking the cycle of poverty for her family.

Your gift of a year of meals, Megan, will ensure that Dhanashree continues to receive three balanced meals a day for an entire year.

Thank you, Megan, for providing a year of nutritious meals to Dhanashree.