Stories from the Alumni Movement!

After her Fellowship, Henna took up the role of school leader in a remote Manipur village isolated from modern amenities. With no roads, cellular network, or regular electricity, she witnessed the resilience of a community bound by deep-rooted traditions where men held all decision-making power. This disparity motivated her to influence her school and teachers in non-traditional ways, sneaking in sessions on child rights, hygiene, digital literacy, and health during teacher training sessions. Through her persistent efforts and home visits, Henna gained the community's trust, eventually leading to marigold planting projects, community training, and sustainable classrooms built through contributions from villagers.

Henna’s most remarkable success lay in creating two sustainable classrooms with contributions from local families. Her commitment also extended to emergency services for villagers, providing medical aid through her network. By the end of her tenure, Henna had developed a self-sustaining educational ecosystem in the village, grounded in relationships and a shared vision for progress. Her journey was a testament to the transformative power of compassion and community collaboration.