Surat Mother Shahida Kapadia Embarks on Educational Journey After 17-Year Hiatus
For 34-year-old Shahida Kapadia, a resident of Surat, life's second chapter is unfolding with an exam pad and a stack of notes as her steadfast companions. Once bound by an early marriage and later left to navigate the world alone, this determined mother has reignited her academic pursuits after a staggering 17-year gap. Her unwavering goal is to qualify as a teacher and carve out a secure future entirely on her own terms.
From Early Marriage to Educational Aspirations
At the tender age of 17, Shahida Kapadia entered into an arranged marriage, filled with hopes of a comfortable and stable life. She made the difficult decision to abandon her studies after completing Class 10, under the belief that marrying into a financially secure family would guarantee her future. However, after welcoming three daughters into the world, her husband chose to marry again, shattering Shahida's world and leaving her to start anew from the very point she had left off at 17.
Today, Shahida is courageously appearing for her Class 12 general stream board examinations, while her eldest daughter, 16-year-old Zubiya, simultaneously takes her Class 10 exams. Looking ahead, Shahida aspires to enroll in a Primary Teacher's Certificate (PTC) college and subsequently complete her Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree, empowering her to earn a livelihood independently.
Overcoming Adversity with Resilience and Support
Following her divorce, Shahida refused to succumb to despair. Instead of retreating to her parents' home, she chose to live autonomously, though her daughters continue to reside with their father. She rented a modest room and secured employment at a preschool. Without formal teaching qualifications, her earnings were minimal, often forcing her to rely on borrowed funds from relatives to make ends meet.
"If I was educated, I would have secured a proper job," Shahida reflected. "I made the firm decision to restart my studies and plan to pursue a BEd after completing PTC college. I learned from the teachers at the school, where I currently teach nursery children, that I too could become a certified teacher."
Shahida's struggles extend beyond academics; she is also engaged in a court battle for maintenance and rarely gets the opportunity to meet her daughters. Throughout these challenges, her father, Abdul, has remained a pillar of support, consistently encouraging her to study and rebuild her life.
"I will be the first person in my father's family to complete Class 12," she shared with a hopeful smile. "My father, his brothers, sisters, my brother, and my mother—none of them pursued education beyond Class 10."
A Turning Point Through Community Assistance
A significant breakthrough occurred when Shahida's aunt connected her with Naresh Mehta, a municipal school principal dedicated to helping women resume their education. Mehta conducts free online classes tailored for girls and women who have dropped out of school, accessible via a simple mobile phone. Shahida diligently attended these classes for approximately eight months, gaining the confidence to face her exams with renewed assurance.
"Shahida exemplifies the incredible capability of a woman," Mehta remarked. "A girl can achieve anything, but often they lack familial support in their youth, leading to dropout. Shahida has a bright future ahead, and she will undoubtedly carve her own path through life in her unique way."
Shahida Kapadia's journey, marked by profound loss, unwavering resilience, and quiet courage, serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to rewrite one's destiny and pursue dreams against all odds.
