Manda is the middle children of a family of five...well, let me correct that, five and a half - her mom is 7 months pregnant. She has two older brothers, one younger brother and one younger sister.

Manda’s life so far has not been particularly harder or easier than a lot of the other children in the slum, but being the oldest girl in the family she is inherently given many responsibilities. She is expected to help around the home - cleaning, doing dishes, washing clothes. Also, she is always keeping an eye on her younger brother and sister; ensuring that they don’t get into too much trouble, helping them dress and bathe, and of course helping with cooking.

Manda’s father makes about 800 rupees a month (about $27), and her mother does not work. There have been many days where there is no money to buy food to prepare, so the kids are left unfed unless they are successful begging.

Before joining One!, Manda was a begging girl at the local temple. Unfortunately, when hunger strikes, she is still forced to beg. Since joining One!, she is studying and likely giving herself new and better opportunities. At this time, she has learned all of the Hindi script and is just starting to read and write basic words. She has also started learning basic English conversation.