This Christmas, will you stand with mothers who are working hard to give their daughters a brighter future. Help build stronger, healthier communities by supporting the next generation of healthcare workers.
Anju was born into a Dalit, Hindu family — among the poorest in her village. When she was very young, her father left, and her mother raised three children alone through manual labour. Despite having almost nothing, her mother prioritised education, and Anju worked hard, completing grade 10. But without funds to continue studying, her mother arranged her marriage at just fourteen. Her husband drank heavily and offered little support, and by the time Anju was seventeen she was widowed and raising her three-year-old daughter, Uma, alone.
Determined to give Uma the opportunities she never had, Anju took a low-paid cleaning job at Sahodar Hospital. Her dedication was quickly recognised, and she became a ward attendant. Surrounded by nurses and doctors, she began to imagine a different future for Uma — one where she could be respected and thrive. With their encouragement, Anju set her sights on nursing college for her daughter.
Uma worked hard, wanting to honour her mother’s sacrifices, and in August 2024 she was accepted to the Amda Institute of Health Sciences to study nursing. It was a moment of immense pride. To make it possible, Anju took out a loan for the fees, and Uma excelled in her first year.
But when the next year’s fees were due, Anju simply had no way to pay. Uma would have to leave college.
When Anju’s colleagues heard Uma might have to leave her studies, they were determined to help. They reached out to EMMS International and, thanks to supporters like you, we were able to step in. Your generosity covered Uma’s tuition fees, allowing her to continue her nursing training for another year.
We’re asking for your help to stand with those who need us most — to invest in a future where everyone can access healthcare and where girls like Uma can hope for something better. As the global cost of living rises, we never take your generosity for granted. Your support makes a real and lasting difference.
Your gift could help secure a future for a young woman like Uma:
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£20 could provide learning materials.
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£100 could contribute to a month’s tuition.
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£2,000 could fund a full year of nursing education.
Please give the gift of education this Christmas.
Anju’s story shows the power of a mother’s love — but also how vital it is to have someone standing beside her.
This Christmas, please stand with mothers like Anju.