Boltijoy and Daphiralin live in the state of Meghalaya in Northeast India, and like so many underprivileged children, their dreams were simple - pursue their educations. Poverty kills many such dreams, and they were in danger of being trapped in hopelessness, but their dreams are coming true! Both are the first members of their families to go beyond 10th grade. And they didn’t stop there! After they matriculated from 12th grade, they earned their BA degrees, and are now both enrolled in the first semester master’s programs, determined to improve their lives and support their families.

Daphiralin is pursuing her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, aspiring to repair broken families, save children from abuse and neglect and heal the trauma that poverty inflicts, all of which she knows firsthand. Daphiralin is a self-taught artist and sees art as a tool she can use in her counseling and therapy practice. Boltijoy is pursuing a Masters in Tourism and Travel Management because the state of Meghalaya has become a booming tourist destination. Bolti’s aspiration is to support his single mother and save the environment through sustainable tourism. Like many young people in Northeast India, Bolti is a musician.

Daphiralin and Boltijoy, and others like them, are escaping poverty with the help of Provide the Basics, Inc. (PtB), a 501(c)(3) charity. For over nine years PtB has provided full support for these remarkable young people. In addition to food, housing, clothing, medical care, mentoring and emotional support, PtB has provided school fees, uniforms, tuition, schoolbooks, cell phones, laptops, WiFi connections, whatever they required to excel in their studies.

Boltijoy and Daphiralin are enrolled in master’s programs at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) in Shillong, Meghalaya. Ranked as one of the best private universities in India, MLCU is expensive by Indian standards. Fees are approximately US$1,250 per semester per student. This GoFundMe drive was started to raise the funds for Daphiralin’s and Boltijoy’s fees and other expenses to continue and complete their master’s programs. Any funding over the initial goal will be used by PtB to help other disadvantaged students aspiring for a better life.