Place Bhiwandi, Mumbai

Age 7

Young Aaliza lives in Bhiwandi with her parents and siblings. She is the youngest of 4 children. Due to financial hardship, Aaliza’s father was unable to make payments on his work vehicle (he was a driver) and his vehicle was seized. This resulted in Aaliza and her siblings dropping out of private school. Aaliza’s mother does pearl beading at home earning $24 a month to meet the needs of their family.

Aaliza’s mother did not want her children to be deprived of an education, so when she learned about Udaan from her neighbors, she quickly enrolled them.

Aaliza is a good student and respectful to her classmates and teachers. She is an avid listener and is working hard to become a teacher when she grows up to help support her family.