A caregiver in India transforms her small business into a pathway to education for her grandchildren
In the lush hills of Meghalaya, Northeastern India, one grandmother’s determination is shaping her family’s future.
When Diana’s* daughter, Rina,* moved to Shillong in search of work, and the children’s father was unable to care for them, Diana stepped in. She took on the responsibility of raising her grandchildren with love, strength, and relentless effort.
"Even if I am poor, my wish is to see my grandchildren educated,” she says.
To support the family, Diana started several small businesses. She raises pigs and cultivates silkworms, earning around 250 rupees ($4 CAD) per kilogram. The income is modest, but her perseverance is unwavering.
Her daughter, Rina, visits as often as possible and helps her mother manage a small shop attached to their home.
With support from the SOS Children’s Villages Family Strengthening Program, their efforts received a boost. The shop’s income has doubled, enabling the family to pay school fees and supplies.
“I won’t be able to provide for them forever,” Diana reflects. “The best thing I can give them is an education. No one will be able to steal their rights if they are educated.”
Despite daily challenges, Diana’s hope remains strong. With every silkworm sold, every shelf stocked, and every rupee earned, she is investing in her grandchildren’s future.
“As much as I have had to struggle, I will continue to work hard to ensure that my grandchildren are settled.”
This grandmother’s story reminds us that education is not simply about learning; it’s about unlocking a life of dignity and possibility.
*Names changed to protect privacy.