Jivati, age 19, is studying for her Bachelor of Science degree while working in a retail job in Rajkot
I arrived at the hostel in 2007, aged 13. I come from a family where my father is a drunk, so my mother found it a great struggle to feed and clothe us. She does seasonal farm work for five to six months a year, earning about £1.50 a day.
When my mother first left me at the hostel, I was lonely. But soon I realised all the girls were in the same position, and the friendships started to form. Now I would say Chaparda is my haven and my home.
This is the place where I got all aspects of my education, starting from basic welfare to gaining confidence to study further and look after myself in a city without any assistance. Today I work in Rajkot as a sales girl, paying my own rent and food bills and my college fees: I am doing a Bachelor of Science degree in IT.
My goal is to work, complete my studies, and earn enough to educate my younger brother so that he can have a better life too. I know it is going to be very hard for me, but I want to give my brother the same chance you all have given me.