Akshaya is 15 and in the 10th grade, a major stepping stone for many students in India. Before the 10th grade perhaps most students will be automatically promoted to the next level, as the govt has established some rules trying to keep as many children in school as possible. So many Indian parents really don't care about their child's education, ready to put them to work or get the girls married in order to alleviate any financial burden. But if they don't pass the 10th grade final exams, they cannot go any further with their education (although they can retake the exams at a later date). So 10th grade, especially in the private schools, is pretty intense. Not sure if she's reading the Bible or a textbook in this photo (she's sitting outside on her porch), but she does spend many hours in school, having tutoring, or doing homework. Please pray for Akshaya; she's a precious girl. Her biological father deceived her mother, taking her money, etc., then leaving the family. The mother remarried, but the stepfather was only willing to care for Akshaya's younger brother, not her, so she has always stayed with her grandmother since her mother's 2nd marriage. The grandfather died a couple of years ago, so the grandmother is a widow and working. We help with some food, and help Akshaya with her education.
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