Halida Khatun’s Story

Meet Shiksha Sankalp Scholar Halida Khatun

Certain journeys, driven by quiet determination, inspire change that goes beyond the individual to impact an entire community. Halida Khatun’s story is a powerful example of this.

Originally from Assam, Halida’s parents moved to Kanpur over two decades ago. Her family lives in a settlement where rag pickers and marginalized communities reside, often engaging in collecting recyclable materials from waste to support their livelihoods. As the only daughter in a household of seven, with four brothers, she grew up witnessing both struggles and resilience that shaped her outlook on life and her drive to succeed.

Halida began her education in Gangaganj, Kanpur, studying from Class 1 to 8 at a local NGO run school. Alongside her studies, she developed a deep love for learning and a desire to share knowledge, often teaching younger children whenever she had the chance. With the guidance and support of Apna Skool, an organization dedicated to educating migrant children in Kanpur’s brick kilns and construction sites, she completed her high school education with 75% marks and secured 77% in her Class 12 board exams from Jawaharlal Nehru Inter College, Kalyanpur.

In her community, where higher education for girls is still rare, Halida has broken new ground by becoming not only the first in her family but also in her community to complete Class 12. Her achievements are academic milestones and a source of inspiration for others, especially young girls who dream of continuing their education.

Beyond academics, Halida finds joy in painting, embroidery, and reading. Her passion for literature and language has led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow. She dreams of becoming a teacher educator, using her skills to guide and uplift students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds.

With the support of the Shiksha Sankalp Society, Halida can continue her higher education without the constant worry of financial barriers. She sees education as the key to transforming not only her own life but also the lives of others in her community. Her vision is clear: to inspire and empower girls to chase their dreams, proving that education can be the first step toward lasting change.

Halida’s journey reminds us that determination combined with opportunity has the power to create ripples of change. She is not just working toward her own goals; she is building a path for many others to follow.