Saleema is an incredibly special child. At 13 years old, she excels in her studies and aspires to become a teacher.
Although Saleema lives with her mother in a poverty-stricken village in Southwest India, such difficult circumstances have not impaired her appreciation for the meaningful things in life, like family, friends, faith and focusing on her future.
Saleema typically begins her day before sunrise. She rises early to prepare for fajr (morning prayer). Soon after, she reviews her studies in preparation for her school day. She then helps her mother, Asma, with household work, which is followed by breakfast.
Saleema returns home after school to enjoy an afternoon snack and completes homework with a tutor. If there is time, she loves to play with her friends. After dinner she prepares for bed and for the next busy day.
Life, however, was not always this smooth for Saleema and her mother.