Fire in Our Hearts

Jayshree Janu Kharpade of India was taken out of school when she was seven years old to raise her two younger brothers and contribute to her parents' labor at a brick kiln site. Exceptionally bright and motivated, she pleaded for years with her parents to let her return to her studies. Her mother used to tell her, 'education is one of the luxurious things we poor people cannot afford. So stop thinking about it and pay proper attention to your siblings and help us earn our living.' When her parents finally relented, she quickly rose to the top of her class. Now aged 15, Jayshree reveals to us the immense social and economic benefits of educating girls in the developing world.