Ten years in the making, Mamatha’s dream is unfolding like a master blueprint coming to life. After successfully earning her Diploma in Civil Engineering, she now stands at the threshold of her grandest design yet — an acceptance letter into the bachelor’s program for Civil Engineering. This pivotal next step exemplifies why we celebrate the unstoppable rise of women in engineering on this 13th annual International Day of Women in Engineering.
Mamatha, lives near our Bangalore site in India. She is an extremely bright and dedicated student who, along with her family, has faced enormous financial and emotional challenges that have left the family with limited income and her ability to continue her education, uncertain. Through Chalice’s education sponsorship, however, Mamatha has been able to continue her education over the past 10 years and is now on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a civil engineer.
“Every day, I travelled about three kilometres by public transport to attend college, holding on to the hope that education would help change my future,” Mamatha says.
While Mamatha’s journey has often been difficult — her father was paralyzed 10 years ago, and her mother is the sole provider for the family — her commitment to her education has never faltered. In fact, she says that the experience has boosted her self-confidence and given her the courage to achieve her highest potential.
She says, “I entered college unsure of myself, but I am now leaving with confidence, skills, and a purpose to serve others,” adding that education has not only transformed her future, but also her mindset.
As Mamatha waits with great anticipation to learn whether she is accepted into the engineering program, she reflects on the opportunity sponsorship has given her.
“I am deeply grateful to my sponsor for walking beside me for the past 10 years. Your support has given me more than education — it has given me hope, dignity, and the courage to dream.”
Like so many of our beneficiaries, sponsorship has inspired Mamatha to pay it forward, “Even as I wait for my future to unfold, I have already begun giving back.” When she isn’t studying, Mamatha provides free tuition to children from underprivileged families in her community, helping them with their studies and encouraging them to believe in their own potential.
Celebrating Mamatha’s courage and commitment on this International Day of Women in Engineering inspires so many other girls and young women at Chalice’s other sites to reach for their dreams. By sponsoring a child to continue their education, you can help make more stories like Mamatha’s a reality.
“Becoming a civil engineer will not only help me build incredible structures, but also stronger communities.”