No Caps. No Gowns. Just Quiet Pride—and Big Dreams. - Vol 3

Graduation in India doesn't come with much fanfare—no caps tossed in the air, no long ceremonies. Often, it's just quietly picking up a certificate. But for many of the women we work with, it's anything but ordinary. Their kids are often the first in the family to make it this far. And that moment? It's huge.

Getting to that point isn't easy. Along the way, our social workers are in the mix—explaining school systems to parents, sharing study tips, even talking about what to feed kids during exam time. There's a lot of love (and strategy) behind those report cards.

We mark the occasion with an Appreciation Day for students who complete 10th or 12th grade. Moms glow with pride, kids talk about their dreams—like Aayush, who wants to become an engineer. And this year, for the first time, a few dads showed up too. It's something we've been gently encouraging for years, and it felt like a small but mighty shift.

Behind every graduation is grit, persistence—and often a mom who refused to give up. And behind her? People like you, who choose to shop with intention.

Every piece you buy supports dignified work and helps shape a new generation. It's more than a garment. It's a little thread in something bigger: a future stitched with education, opportunity, and hope.

SHARE WITH THE ARTISANS:
• Do you remember your own high school graduation? What was that moment like for you or your family?
• Do you have a message you'd like to share with the artisans or their children on this milestone?
• Have you ever given a MarketPlace piece as a gift to someone graduating or reaching a milestone? Tell us about it!
Start the Conversation!

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READ THE NEXT ARTICLE:
Preparing for School with Pride - Vol 3