Lisa dropped out of school at the age of 12 in Grade 6 due to financial crisis in the family
as her father fell sick and lost his job. Her parents decided to relieve her responsibility
and so fixed her marriage by paying $412.00 as dowry. But Lisa refused to go to
her in-laws for about a year and a half. After waiting for 2 years the boy’s family
cancelled the marriage and returned the dowry money.

Her schoolteacher and social worker of CMES encouraged Lisa’s parents
to send her back to school. The community followed it up. Lisa returned
to school at the age of 14 and enrolled into Grade 8. The school waived her
school fee, provided books, and a part-time teacher gave her extra learning
after school hours. The committee met the salary of this teacher from its
own funds.

Lisa also enrolled into skills training and started earning to pay her fees and meet
other educational needs. Currently she has completed Grade 9 exams and wishes to
pursue her education at least until graduation. She recognises the importance of education
for her career and is keen to scale up her business. Lisa is attempting to balance learning in
school, earning and attending to household tasks. She is confident of managing them and
making a difference in her life.