From a small village in Uttar Pradesh to international acclaim, it is a proud moment for her
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Sania Khan, a trailblazer in foster care advocacy, has been honoured with the esteemed ‘She Inspires Award 2024’ in the Rising Star category. Her remarkable efforts to improve the lives of orphaned children and foster families in the UK have earned her widespread recognition, bringing her journey full circle from a small Indian village to international acclaim.
Hailing from Shahjahanpur, a village in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Sania’s story is one of determination, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to social welfare. Growing up in modest circumstances, she dreamed of making a significant difference in the world. “The seeds of my dreams had already been sown in my village,” Sania recalls. “With strong will and dedication, even the impossible can be made possible.”
Her educational pursuits began at Dewan Public School in Meerut and culminated in an MA in Social Work from New Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia in 2006. This academic foundation was pivotal in shaping her lifelong mission to support underprivileged children and families.
In 2018, Sania founded Silver Linings Fostering Agency, based in London and the Midlands. The organisation has since become a vital lifeline for over 70 children and 60 foster families, providing safe, nurturing homes for children who cannot live with their biological families.
“All children deserve a safe environment to grow up in,” Sania emphasises. “An environment where they are properly fed, educated, and given the opportunity to thrive.”
The agency takes a meticulous approach to match children with foster families, ensuring a supportive environment while equipping parents with comprehensive training and guidance. This model has earned Silver Linings an “Outstanding” rating from Ofsted, the UK’s authority on education and children’s services, highlighting its excellence and impact.
Winning the She Inspires Award 2024 is a significant milestone in Sania’s journey. Reflecting on the accolade, she remarked, “This award is an inspiration for me and my team. It is not just my personal achievement but also a triumph for the orphaned children and foster parents we serve. I hope this story inspires more families to foster and make a positive difference in the lives of such children.”
Sania’s work goes beyond providing care — it raises awareness about fostering and the importance of building loving homes for vulnerable children. Her efforts bridge cultural and geographical divides, embodying the transformative power of compassion.
From her humble beginnings in Shahjahanpur to becoming a British citizen and a leader in foster care, Sania’s journey underscores the impact of unwavering dedication. Her story is a testament to the belief that one person’s vision can profoundly change countless lives.
As the director of Silver Linings, Sania continues to inspire, striving for a world where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to flourish. Her achievement with the She Inspires Award 2024 is not just a personal victory — it is a celebration of her mission to bring stability, hope, and love to those who need it most.
“Every child’s story deserves a happy ending,” she says. “This is what drives me every day.”
Through her relentless efforts, Sania Khan sets a benchmark for social work and fosters a movement of hope and resilience. Her journey inspires others to step forward, challenging communities worldwide to recognise the transformative power of fostering and the difference it can make.
Her message is clear: fostering is not just about providing a home — it’s about creating opportunities, nurturing dreams, and showing that with care and compassion, no obstacle is insurmountable.
Sania Khan’s work continues to illuminate a path forward, proving that the noblest causes know no borders. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.
