A 12-year-old girl from the Sunderbans spoke about the challenges she and others her age face back home — from struggling to get an education because of poverty to having to work in brick kilns or roll bidis to earn a living.

Moumita Das was appealing to an audience to contribute towards the cause of educating the girl child.

“In our society, girls often struggle to get an education because of poverty, cultural norms and safety concerns. Children my age have to earn a living — they work in brick kilns, make bidis to support their families and go to the river to fish. Is this the kind of childhood they deserve?” she asked.

When she finished speaking, some hands in the audience went up to commit to the cause of educating the girl child.

The NGO Katakhali Swapnopuron Welfare Society launched a campaign to tie a rakhi of education to girls on July 23. The campaign ended on August 16. The appeal is for 411 girls — to fund their education for a year, which would cost ₹15,600 for one girl. The NGO has used the rakhi as a symbol of love and protection and the opportunity to sponsor a girl child’s education as a “meaningful rakhi gift”.

The campaign was held last year, too, and the society collected contributions for the education of 136 girls.

Moumita, a Class VI girl at Swapnopuron Shiksha Niketan, shared how education has helped her.

“I consider myself fortunate because I had the opportunity to go to an English medium school and receive a good education, along with support and guidance... I have participated in various events and competitions, proving that I can compete with those more privileged. This gives me great confidence,” she said.

“I believe that potential is in everyone, the only difference is getting the right opportunity and access to the right resources. There are many children in my village who can also prove themselves against all odds. They need proper guidance, support and opportunity. The amount for a year of education is only ₹15,600. You can also contribute on a monthly basis with just ₹1,300,” said Moumita.

She represented the voice of hundreds of girls who are deprived and vulnerable.

Moumita later told The Telegraph how she has seen girls in her village being considered a burden by their parents who want them to get married in their early teens, even before they complete basic education.

“When girls who come from difficult backgrounds appeal, it has more impact,” said Satarupa Majumder, founder, Katakhali Swapnopuron Welfare Society.

“In rural areas like the Sunderbans, girls often face significant barriers to education. Through this campaign, we would like to emphasize... that educated girls are more likely to secure better jobs and contribute to the economic stability of their families and communities,” said Majumder.