(A story can make a world of difference. With your support, The Quint was able to make an impact in the life of Falak Shah – by helping her return to school. Our video series लड़की हूं... पढ़ना चाहती हूं is bringing you stories of girls from across the country who were forced to discontinue education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Support us in completing this series, so that more girls like Falak get a second chance at education.)
Eight-year-old Falak Shah from Mumbai's Govandi area was forced to drop out of school after her father Mohammad Shah lost his job as a graphic designer in 2020 – during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Shah unable to find employment, his family of five struggled to make ends meet and have two meals everyday. Falak lost two precious years in school. But not anymore. Come June 2022, the child will start her Class 4 – just like her peers.
In The Quint's story published on 12 April, as a part of our लड़की हूं... पढ़ना चाहती हूं series, we had highlighted Falak's story.