As Jasmine finished school at St Mary’s Girls’ Secondary School in Darjeeling’s tea estates, she felt uncertain about what lay ahead. Like many girls in her community, she dreamed of pursuing higher education but had limited exposure to opportunities, guidance, and encouragement.
That changed when she joined the Collective Voices Project’s Career Guidance Program at the Darjeeling Mary Ward Social Centre. Through interactive sessions, group discussions, and one-on-one mentoring, Jasmine discovered a passion for governance, society, and public service. She received practical advice on college applications, goal-setting, and career pathways, while learning to navigate social and financial barriers. With new clarity and confidence, she applied to several colleges to study a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Honours).
“Before attending the program, I was unsure about what to do next. The sessions opened my mind. Now I have a goal – I want to contribute to my community and make a difference,” Jasmine reflects.
In the past year alone, the program has supported 45 young people to pursue higher education, vocational training, scholarships, and government schemes. Beyond career guidance, the Collective Voices Project strengthens the wellbeing and leadership of women and girls across Darjeeling’s tea estates through rights education, health awareness, and income-generation initiatives. By building practical skills and creating pathways for community participation, the project helps young women grow in confidence, expand their opportunities, and make informed decisions about their futures. Partnerships with schools and local leaders ensure that this support continues to have a lasting impact.
Through the Collective Voices Project, hundreds of girls like Jasmine are gaining confidence, pursuing higher education, shaping their futures, and inspiring those around them. With each generation, the program’s impact grows, enabling young women to transform their ambitions into real opportunities.
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