She sees her world as a masterpiece of brilliant color, shapes, and curves. In her young mind, her surroundings are a playground, with all the raw materials for an artistic masterpiece. Lalita is only seven, but she has the soul of an artist.
You and I would probably see Lalita’s environment quite differently.
You and I would see the muddy path that leads to the humble hut made of sticks, tarps, and tin where Lalita lives with her two brothers, her parents, and her grandmother. We would see the backbreaking labor Lalita’s parents endure as they work in the rice paddies near their home. We would see discrimination based on social standing. We would see poverty, maybe even despair.
But where we see hopelessness, Lalita sees opportunity.
In her mind’s eye, she sees the creativity it took to build her home. She sees the colorful sari her mother wears as she tends the fields. She sees how her father takes the little income he earns and makes each birthday special, buying sweet treats for the family with enough to share with the rest of the community.
This worldview doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens because of the DFN school that came to Lalita’s little village.
This school—like all DFN schools—fosters hope. The teachers don’t see their classes as children to be “managed” or simply “educated.” They see the promise of each child, an individual with their own unique strengths and talents.
They see Lalita for who she is—an artist at heart. And they cheer her on.
Because of this, she thrives.
But Lalita doesn’t just flourish in her creative pursuits. She thrives academically. She learns her potential. She believes in herself. She becomes a leader in her class, someone who others look up to.
Will Lalita become an artist when she grows up? That story has not yet been written.
But one thing we do know—she is free to dream about the masterpiece that is her life.
When you stand in the gap for students like Lalita this fall, you help each child know they are God’s masterpiece, His prize creation, His beloved child.
You also keep them safe, help them dream about their future, and make space for them to play. Every child should have this chance. Will you stand in the gap for a child like Lalita today?
