Soumiya (SFL Fellow)
Soumiya’s journey—from being a child supported by The Banyan to becoming an SFL Fellow at BALM—embodies resilience and full-circle impact. Raised by a single mother living with mental illness, Soumiya saw firsthand how recovery and opportunity can change lives. With help from The Banyan and BALM, she completed her B.Sc. in Computer Science.
Today, she coordinates scholarships for children of parents with mental illness, drawing from her own experience to offer financial aid but also empathy and mentorship. Her field visits ensure that support is responsive to each child’s unique needs—whether it’s school fees, learning materials, or emotional encouragement.
Through her work, Soumiya is helping break cycles of vulnerability, transforming education into a tool for healing and empowerment. Her lived experience allows her to build trust with families and challenge stigma with quiet strength. She now hopes to scale the program, reaching even more children with the opportunities she once received.
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