In the middle of a crowded slum, 13-year-old Arifa sits cross-legged on the floor with a pencil in hand and a sketchbook open before her. As she begins to draw, the noise around her fades into the background.

With each careful stroke, she brings memories to life, including memories of her father, who passed away when she was young, leaving Arifa and her mother to navigate life alone.

After his death, they migrated to the slums, where her mother now works as a sweeper to provide for their family. To help make ends meet, Arifa spends part of her days collecting, sorting, and selling scraps to a local dealer.

For girls like Arifa, growing up in extreme poverty often brings risks far beyond financial hardship. Limited access to education and opportunity can leave children vulnerable to exploitation. Traffickers often prey on families facing desperate circumstances, offering false promises of work, safety, or a better future.

That’s why your support matters.

Because of you, we are able to reach high-risk communities like the slum where Arifa lives and address vulnerability before exploitation begins. For the past seven years, Arifa has attended our Slum School, receiving an education that is helping break the cycle of poverty and create new possibilities for her future.

Despite the challenges she carries, Arifa has excelled in her studies and discovered a remarkable talent and love for art.

Today, she continues balancing school, responsibilities at home, and her passion for drawing, all while building a future filled with hope.

Because of your generosity, children like Arifa are being protected, empowered, and given the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for being part of her story.