Seher Fatima Syed and Shifa Fatima Syed are sisters living in the slums of Mumbra, Mumbai. At a young age their father abandoned them, leaving a mother with 5 children to fend for herself and fall into poverty. Living on a low-income salary, their mother sought help to give her children the education they deserved to thrive and become successful in their lives. As a family, they collectively believe that maintaining good education will secure their future, make them respectful individuals and grant them financial stability. “We should give equal importance to both things – family as well as seeking knowledge.” – Shifa Fatima Syed
By enrolling into the Mainstay Foundation’s education sponsorship programme, both of their prospects and opportunities have increased. This will not only aid their individual growth but will allow them to support their mother in elevating the burden of poverty from her shoulders. “If we experienced any financial problems, with the power of education, we could raise our families. This would make our mother very proud” – Shifa Fatima Syed
