Who we are
Hi there,
I’m Sarina Zaparde, founder and CEO of Dress To Learn. What inspires me every day is knowing that even a small action can spark something much bigger.
Your support doesn’t just provide education; it compounds into long-term positive outcomes. I aim to build a foundation for these girls to exercise agency and make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives.
Thank you for believing in the power of education and for taking action to make a lasting difference. Together, we’re changing lives in ways that will be felt for years to come.
With gratitude,
Sarina
OUR Story
During my 13th annual trip to India, I visited my family's ancestral village of Paras in Maharashtra. While taking a walk with my dad, I noticed boys in school uniforms heading to class while girls stayed home. When I asked my dad why this was happening, what he told me was eye-opening.
Most of rural India relies heavily on the agricultural industry to earn an income. However, In recent years, severe droughts in Maharashtra left farmers without enough money to support their family. This resulted in a phenomenon of mass suicides where many farmers tragically took their own lives, leaving wives widowed and children orphaned.
To make matters worse, in these rural communities, girls are often married off young and expected to fulfill domestic roles rather than pursue education. Consequently, they miss the opportunity for academic growth, career pursuits, and, most importantly, financial independence. Many girls in remote areas also face the risk of human trafficking, due to their vulnerability as a consequence of illiteracy, naivety, and solitude.
The most immediate barrier to education I found, however, is the cost of a school uniform. For many girls, spending on a uniform meant sacrificing essential resources like the day's food.
It became clear: by providing school uniforms, we could help girls escape the cycle of poverty, avoid early marriage, and protect them from exploitation.
That’s why Dress To Learn was founded—to empower these individuals with education and opportunities.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities.
Let's connect.