Joshna from Assam’s Jorhat district first joined Pratham in 2008 as a volunteer in a summer camp for children. Nearly two decades later, she remains committed to supporting learning initiatives in her community. Her passion for learning extends to her personal life as well. At 45, she continues to hone her skills with a dream of owning a business.

Joshna lives with her mother, brother, sister-in-law, two nephews, and a niece. Her brother, the village head, has been the sole earning member of the family, but his income from farming is not enough to support them all. Determined to build her own identity, Joshna chose not to marry and instead dedicated herself to serving her village.

In 2016, she reconnected with Pratham and started supporting two Children’s Clubs in her village. Under this community-based program, children in Grades 3-8 regularly meet in groups to participate in engaging reading and math activities. Over the years, Joshna has helped more than 200 children strengthen their learning through this program. She also actively participates in community meetings and organises events like science fairs and sports competitions.

Joshna’s experience has also benefited her family. She helped her niece, Bhairobi, improve her learning levels and taught her sister-in-law simple teaching methods, enabling her to actively participate in her daughter’s education.

While continuing her volunteer work with Pratham, Joshna enrolled in the local livelihood beauty program in August 2022. The 60-day beautician course combined in-person and virtual training. The goal was to enable women like Joshna to set up their own businesses and earn a livelihood through local opportunities. After completing the course, she received a makeup kit and started offering beauty services in her village, where there were no other makeup artists. Her skills quickly gained recognition and she started earning Rs 5,000-6,000 per month.

To further enhance her skills, Joshna completed Pratham’s three-day bridal makeup training in October 2024. She greatly appreciated the opportunity as it allowed her to increase her income. She aspires to open her own beauty parlour but, for now, travels by cycle to provide makeup services for weddings, birthdays, and other events, saving money to turn her dream into reality.

Reflecting on her journey, Joshna shares:
“People often see an unmarried woman as a burden to her family. I never wanted to be that. Pratham gave me the opportunity to change my life, and now I’m determined to not only become independent but also support my family."

Joshna’s story is one of dedication and growth. From helping children learn to building her own career, she continues to inspire her village.