Over the decades, the sisters have witnessed the devastating impact of poverty on children’s education and the long-term consequences of school dropouts in slum communities. Children living in Chennai’s urban slums face severe disadvantages in pursuing their education. Their parents are often daily wage earners or unemployed, with minimal education themselves, unable to guide or support their children’s learning needs. Many children return home to cramped, noisy environments where learning is impossible. Without tuition support or academic motivation, children fall behind in class, lose interest, and eventually drop out.

Girls are particularly vulnerable, often pushed into household chores or early marriage. Boys, on the other hand, are at risk of child labour and anti-social influences.