⌛Where Are They Now: Panjavarnam’s journey from sponsored child to engineer

My mother worked hard as a single woman to care for me and my four sisters after my father died when we were young. I was in danger of having to leave school to become a child labourer to make money for the family.

But I was able to join Children Believe’s sponsorship program. The couple who sponsored me helped fulfill my educational goals and my family’s essential needs. My community, my family and I are so grateful.

Choosing the road less travelled

Children Believe emphasizes the importance of education and helped give me the choice to pursue higher studies. Thanks to career guidance, I pursued engineering and even secured a government scholarship. I went on to become the first graduate in my family.

As a child I couldn’t even imagine traveling in a car, but now I have a job working at a respected international wiring technology company supplying quality wires for car production.

Without my sponsorship opportunity I don’t believe I would have ever completed my school studies. Through community meetings and trainings, I gained self-confidence, a positive mindset and valuable problem-solving skills to face and overcome challenges.

All of this contributed to the defining moment in my life, my choice to become an engineer. And it doesn’t end here because I will continue to learn and improve the skills of my profession.

You can make a difference today by sponsoring a child like Panjavarnam in India. Discover how your support can transform lives!

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.