Educating Through Sisterhood: A Story of Economic Empowerment

In a modest family home, a powerful transformation occurred over the years in the hearts, minds, and lives of three sisters. Growing up in a financially challenged household, Manisha, Karishma, and Kirtee overcame the odds and all became economics educators, shaping the futures of countless Mauritians. Their story, celebrated on International Siblings Day on April 10th, is more than just about family ties; it stands as a tribute to perseverance, discipline, education, and a rare sisterhood that embodies dreaming together, rising together, and succeeding together.

The sisters were raised in a household that barely met their basic needs. Their father, a laborer, worked tirelessly to provide for the family, often taking additional part-time jobs on weekends. Their mother, a homemaker, also worked to support the household, balancing strict discipline with unconditional love.

What distinguished their mother was her foresight. Having completed her School Certificate—a significant accomplishment for women of her time—she understood the transformative power of education. Determined to instill this belief in her daughters, she emphasized education as the key to escaping poverty, often saying, “One day, people will respect you for what you’ve achieved through education.”

Manisha recalls, “We grew up knowing what struggle meant. Paying electricity bills was a concern, and sometimes we had to wait to settle them. Buying new clothes for festivals like Diwali wasn’t guaranteed; we often wore hand-me-downs.”

School life was equally challenging. Karishma noted, “We couldn’t afford tuition classes like many of our peers. So, we learned to study independently, helping each other with past papers and sharing notes.” Their self-driven education became their greatest asset. They would gather after school with books spread across the floor, supporting one another academically. “We had no one else to turn to, so we became each other’s tutors,” Kirtee added.

Despite their financial limitations, their home was filled with a strong commitment to education. Their parents made immense sacrifices to keep them in school, prioritizing their daughters' learning over unnecessary expenses. The sisters also contributed; the eldest began working as soon as she graduated to support the family financially, and the younger two followed suit during their Master’s studies. This collective effort was grounded in love, sacrifice, and a shared belief in education’s power.

Although their father has passed away and cannot witness their success, the impact of his sacrifices and their mother’s vision lives on. All three daughters are now university graduates, each holding at least a Master’s degree in Economics or a related field, and are full-time educators in the government sector.

“Our mother’s biggest wish was to see just one of us graduate,” Karishma reflected. “Now, we’ve all fulfilled that and more. Her dream lives on in us.”

Paths Aligned, Destinies Distinct

The sisters did not plan on all becoming Economics educators; it was a natural progression. “It just happened,” Manisha laughed. “We were drawn to the subject in our own ways.”

Manisha Luckho, the eldest, has always been passionate about learning and aspired to be an educator from a young age. With a BSc (Hons) in Economics and Finance and an MSc in Applied Economics, she approached her studies with determination and grace, focusing on both her academic and personal life. She now balances her teaching career with motherhood, having three children, including twins, and credits her supportive husband, Dr. Takesh Luckho, for being her pillar of strength.

Karishma Doobraz, the middle sister, holds a Bachelor’s in Economics with Accounting and a Master’s in Financial Economics. Initially drawn to Economics for its practical application, she discovered her true passion for teaching once she stepped into the classroom.

Kirtee Etwareea, the youngest, initially considered a different path involving creative arts but found herself embracing Economics wholeheartedly. After earning her BSc (Hons) in Economics with Management and her Master’s in Financial Economics, she also embarked on a teaching career.

Although each sister has carved out her own distinct path, they share a commitment to the same values, rooted in their humble upbringing. They exemplify the idea that shared beginnings can lead to beautifully distinct outcomes.

Sisters Before Success

Despite their individual personalities and professional styles, the sisters maintain an unbreakable bond. They were each other’s first teachers, uplifting one another emotionally and academically. They stay connected through a busy WhatsApp group, sharing lesson ideas, strategies, and providing mutual support, ensuring no one feels alone.

Their camaraderie extends beyond work; they help each other in various ways—from cooking meals to watching each other's children. “Yes, we fight sometimes,” they admit with laughter, “but we can’t stay mad at each other for long. We know we’re each other’s biggest supporters.”

The Family’s Pillar: A Mother’s Legacy

Throughout their journey, their mother remains the central figure in their narrative. “She didn’t just raise daughters; she raised educators, mothers, and responsible citizens,” Manisha expressed with deep gratitude.

The sacrifices their mother made were immense, often putting her own dreams aside for her daughters’ sake. “She worked tirelessly to ensure we never lacked the opportunities we needed,” Karishma added, reflecting on her mother’s relentless belief that education would be the key to their success.

Now, as established educators, the sisters exemplify the impact of hard work and love. They strive to inspire their students, who are often moved by the story of these three women. “When they find out we’re sisters teaching the same subject, they laugh and say, ‘Miss, is Economics in your DNA?’” Karishma shares with a smile.

Their greatest joy as educators is making a positive impact on their students’ lives. “We find it incredibly rewarding to see them grow in knowledge and confidence. Being able to inspire and guide the next generation gives us a profound sense of purpose. Every day brings new challenges and learning experiences for both us and our students,” they conclude with laughter.

A Message to the Girls of Mauritius

On International Siblings Day, let us remember stories like theirs—of three sisters who journeyed from financial hardship to education and empowerment. They have not only taught themselves and each other; they now teach the nation’s future.

They are Manisha, Karishma, and Kirtee. Three women. One family. One legacy.