I wanted to show up like everyone else — Jasleen’s story

“There were days I just didn’t want to go to school because I felt… invisible.”

For Jasleen, Grade 9 wasn’t just about new classes or making friends — it was about hiding. She avoided gym class, skipped group activities, and always kept her head down. Her teachers thought she was disengaged, but the truth was simpler and harder: she didn’t have the basics.

Her family was going through a tough time, and essentials like personal hygiene products and proper gym clothes just weren’t in the budget. As a result, Jasleen didn’t want to be noticed for the wrong reasons, so she stayed quiet and stayed away.

Then, her guidance counsellor reached out to the Halton Learning Foundation.

With quick support from HLF’s Eliminating Barriers Fund, Jasleen received exactly what she needed — the essentials to feel comfortable, confident, and like she belonged. This wasn’t a flashy or complicated solution; it was the simple dignity of having what you need to show up fully.

“You could see it right away,” her guidance counsellor said. “She started coming to class, smiling more, joining in. It was like lifting a weight off her shoulders.”

Today, Jasleen is showing up for herself. She’s back in gym class, reconnecting with friends, and focusing on her education — not on what she’s missing.

Eliminating Barriers — Why It Matters

At Halton Learning Foundation, we believe no student should feel left out or held back because of circumstances they can’t control. Through the Eliminating Barriers Fund, HLF provides essentials like school supplies, food, clothing, and transportation to students who need it most — with no red tape and no delays.

With the generosity of community donors, we help students like Jasleen step into the classroom feeling confident, included, and ready to thrive.

Because sometimes, the smallest supports create the biggest transformations.