THESE words define the incredible journey of Sufiya Abdul Wahid Khan, a 49-year-old woman who has dedicated her life to transforming the futures of underprivileged children through education. Sufiya Abdul Wahid Khan is an extraordinary woman whose courage and vision have exploded hope among children in slum areas. Her journey was never easy. As a child, she saw firsthand how limited opportunities could hold back potential, especially in marginalized communities. Determined to be a force for change, she began volunteering at government BMC schools and offering free tuition to children who couldn’t afford extra classes.
But her real mission began after marriage when she moved to Malwani, Malad West, Mumbai. Here, she encountered entire neighborhoods of children left without education, forced into child labor, or left to roam the streets due to financial struggles. The poverty in these slums was not just economic, it was a poverty of opportunity, of hope, and of dreams put off. With the unwavering support of her husband, Abdul Wahid Khan, and her in-laws, Sufiya took it upon herself to visit every household in the community. She spoke with parents, listened to their concerns, and encouraged them to send their children to school. Many expressed their desire to educate their kids but were unable to due to financial hardships. Some of these children, despite being incredibly bright, lacked the resources to develop their potential.
Determined to make education accessible, Sufiya started free tuition classes in Amboji Wadi and Azami Nagar, creating a space where children could learn in a safe, nurturing environment. However, securing support for her initiative was an uphill battle. She approached various charitable trusts and NGOs, many of whom turned her away. She faced discouragement, skepticism, and outright rejection. But she refused to give up.
Sufiya had been working in Malwani for 18 years on a small scale, but when the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world, she saw it as an opportunity to step up for her community. Keeping social distancing and safety measures in mind, her team worked tirelessly to help people meet their basic needs, providing ration kits, medicines, and medical support while also ensuring that children’s education continued despite the crisis. Her experience during the pandemic really opened her eyes to an important lesson, inspiring her to start a charitable trust aimed at helping economically disadvantaged children. This passion led to the creation of the GRASSROOTS FOUNDATION in June 2021, which is officially registered with the Charity Commissioner of Maharashtra. With the support of her parents and in-laws, she also launched an English-medium school to further her mission. This time not only highlighted the struggles faced by the underprivileged but also fueled her determination to broaden her efforts, resulting in the establishment of a comprehensive school. “INDIAN GLORY ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL” A Safe Haven for Dreams. Sufiya’s relentless drive culminated in the founding of Indian Glory English High School in Ambojiwadi, Gaikwad Nagar, Malad (West), Mumbai. What began as a small initiative has now grown into a fully functional school with 348 students, guided by a passionate team of women educators committed to shaping young minds.
The school provides quality education, but it also goes beyond the traditional role of a learning institution. It offers:
● A safe and structured environment for children who would otherwise be left alone while their parents work long hours.
● Nutritious meals, ensuring that hunger does not stand in the way of learning.
● Medical check-ups and emotional support, addressing both physical well-being and mental health.
“Many of these children are incredibly intelligent and hardworking. In the times of COVID, while carrying out a social activity we discovered these people in the slums who were deprived of money, and their education and basic bread and butter were on hold. Children of these households were undergoing depression. We took this as a responsibility and started a school with extra activities so that these sharp brains can do wonders.” Sufiya explains. “But without the right guidance, they are vulnerable to negative influences. Our goal is to nurture their potential, provide them with a sense of direction, and help them realize that their circumstances do not define their future.” The school operates in two shifts from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, ensuring that students receive ample attention and guidance. Some classrooms are in rented spaces, while others are in dire need of renovation. Despite these challenges, the school stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with dedication, even the most difficult circumstances can be transformed.