College Shuts its Doors to Smitha

Smitha (rescued from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, in July 2022 when she was 15 years old) is a diligent and hardworking student. Earlier this year, she completed grade 10 from The National Institute of Open Schooling. We were eager to help Smitha experience college life, so after months of encouraging and counseling, Smitha agreed. She visited a local cafe and filled out an application form. The college shortlisted her name for admissions, received her admissions documents and fees, and gave her an admissions letter. They also added her to their official chat group. After she received her admissions letter, our social workers helped her to purchase her uniforms, textbooks, notebooks, bags, and other essentials Smitha needed for college.

On September 12, almost one month later, we received a letter from the college stating Smitha's admission was cancelled because she failed to fit certain admission criteria. They removed her from their chat group and asked her to immediately visit the college to collect her documents.

The college's treatment of Smitha is appalling. If she did not meet their criteria, they should have conveyed this initially; we would have searched for alternative college options. Most college admissions are now closed. Smitha had already participated in their official chat group and begun connecting with others and discussing the academic year. She was excited about wearing a new uniform and gathering all her books and necessities to continue her education. To shut the door on her face now is cruel and unacceptable, and we will certainly convey our dissatisfaction to the college.