Age 8

Ali Hamja lives in a slum community in Bhiwandi. His father works as a private driver for a factory where he earns less than $7.50 a day for a few days a week; his mother is at home and takes care of their 15-month-old child. Ali Hamja's older brother is going to a government school, but Ali and his younger sister have never been to school. Before Udaan, he didn't even know how to hold a pencil in his hand. With the cost of living increasing and his father working only a few days a week, providing for his children's needs and education was difficult.

Since his mother enrolled him at Udaan, Ali Hamja is now learning to read and write. He wants to become a police officer, where he would find thieves and teach them a lesson. He also wants to help his parents. Ali Hamja needs a sponsor to support his education as he learns valuable life skills.