What happens to SOFKIN kids when they grow up? Will the opportunities that have been created for them and the values they have been taught, be reflected in the adults they become?
15-Aug-16
Kranthi, the oldest child at SOFKIN and first to graduate from college, is a wonderful example and testament to what is possible when a child is nurtured in a loving, supportive home like SOFKIN. As we reported in the last blog, Kranthi graduated in May with a degree in computer science engineering and started a new job at PegaSystems as an Associate Solutions Engineer. As Kranthi himself explained, “Now I am financially independent, matured and grown enough to face this world with all the energy the supporters, sponsors and donors of SOFKIN gave me.” He is especially proud of the fact that he is now able to give back to SOFKIN by sponsoring one child.
Kranthi recalled his transformation from a tea seller on the streets of Hyderabad to a computer graduate. “I remembered my initial days at SOFKIN when I was 9 years old. I spoke no English, received fail grades in school, lots of behavioral problems from my side, don’t know the importance of education, good character and no goal for future. But it was Chaya Amma who believed that I can be transformed with proper guidance, love, facilities and by providing opportunities. I see my past now, the change started slow but very consistent and at one stage it started became exponential. I started seeing myself as a Leader in Academics, self confidence level shoot up; I am able to compete with others in doing excellent job.”
Kranthi said that he couldn’t imagine his life if SOFKIN hadn’t been there to support him as a child who was surrounded by poverty, drugs, and illiteracy. “I still see many children here on streets who passing through the same stage like me 10 years back. The only difference between me and them is I got an opportunity in the form of SOFKIN. Hence I know the importance of supporting such children, now I am able to support one child in SOFKIN, looking forward to do more as I grow in my career.” With Kranthi becoming a child sponsor, the loop is closed; the story of SOFKIN has come full circle.
Kranthi continues to live at SOFKIN for now, but has transferred from the children’s register to the staff register. He happily serves as a role model and big brother for several of the children. He has also assumed responsibility for coordinating all the information and records involved in the registration process for new children.
Kranthi would like to thank everyone who has played a part in his transformation, as well as the other 46 children at SOFKIN. He added, “I can see the future of these 46 children achieving their goals of becoming successful doctors, engineers, teachers and whatever they want to be just like how I achieved becoming a Computer Science Engineer.”
In fact, seven children of SOFKIN are currently attending college and due to graduate in the next few years. So, stay tuned for many more success stories!