This is a story about how 19-year-old Shubhangi Ramesh Jadhav turned her and her family’s life around. Shubhangi lives in Ashoknagar of Yerwada, Pune with her 6 family members including her mother, 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Shubhangi’s mother was the sole earner in the family and worked as a domestic worker.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, the situation of Shubhangi’s family was very grave. Her mother could not work and thus they lost their only source of income. They survived on the ration kits provided by various organizations. However, surviving merely on the ration kits proved to be highly challenging for the family. Thus, her mother borrowed some money from her previous employer to keep the family afloat.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Shubhangi decided to get a job. However, she had failed her 10th grade exam and was unsure of how to proceed for a job application. But since she had been associated with CYDA’s YRC (Youth Resource Centre) for 3 years, she came to the centre for guidance.
While at the YRC, Shubhangi came to know about the NTL program and decided to join. As part of the program she learned the soft skills required for a job as well as learnt how to communicate confidently. The NTL program gave her self-confidence to go out and apply for a job. She soon was able to secure a job at Shell Petrol Pump as a Petrol Pump Assistant earning Rs.10,000/- per month.
Shubhangi was also a student of the Martial Arts classes at the YRC. This gave her the confidence to go out on her own to work as she was well versed with self-defence techniques. This talent came to her rescue when she was being followed by 2 strange men on her way home from work. She was able to defend herself from those thugs and return home safely.
As she experienced the importance of the NTL Program first hand, Shubhangi began mobilizing other girls like her to join the program. She started creating awareness about the program by giving her own example. She is now a part of the NTL Network and inspiring more girls like her to join NTL fields.
In addition to her job at the Petrol Pump, Shubhangi also decided to complete her education and started studying hard after her work. She has successfully passed her 10th grade and is currently pursuing her higher education.
Sharing her experiences, Shubhangi says, “I am very happy with the work at the Petrol Pump. I have learned new things and now know how to interact with others at work and how to present myself in a work environment. I am thankful to CYDA for their guidance and support.” She concludes with a word of advice to others like her, “No work is small. Develop yourself and show your skills.