Fashion future forged from struggles and support
From a challenging childhood on the streets of India's capital city, to launching her own fashion enterprise - a CQUniversity Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT) scholarship has helped Ritu Singh design her dream life.
After Ritu’s family faced severe financial hardship on the streets of Delhi, her mother sought help from SBT, which provides crucial support services to street and working children.
The aim of the Trust is to remove kids from the streets and empower them through community centre housing and education.
CQUniversity has been a proud partner of the Trust since 2011, supporting the education of SBT's former street children through scholarships.
“My mother used to send me to the open shelter home at Connaught Place to study. One of the teachers suggested I attend SBT’s Aarushi Home. That was the turning point for me.
“At Aarushi Home, I was enrolled in the Non-Formal Education program, and soon after, in a private school,” she said.
Ritu excelled in her studies and completed her high school education with commendable results.
With the support of CQUniversity's SBT scholarship, Ritu went on to fulfil her dream of studying fashion design at the prestigious Pearl Institute in Delhi.
Ritu also tragically lost both her parents and sister during her studies.
Despite the struggles, she remained committed to her education.
"In every situation, you have to move on, whether it’s hard or uncomfortable for you," Ritu said.
“I was fortunate to have unwavering support from CQUniversity throughout my journey."
After completing her degree, Ritu decided to venture into entrepreneurship, founding her own fashion brand, Phulwa Creation, which she named after her mother.
Currently working as a fashion consultant, Ritu said her enterprise pays tribute to the strength and support of her family.
The CQUniversity Slaam Baalak Trust Scholarships has supported more than 100 children, enabling them to pursue undergraduate courses across various disciplines, from commerce and engineering to fashion design and cinematography.
Through SBT, CQUniversity is committed to changing lives and building brighter futures for vulnerable children in India, learn more at CQU's SBT website.
