(CNN) -- Purnima lives in Nepal. She wants to be a nurse. But because she is a girl instead of a boy, she is more likely to go to work than go to school. In Nepal, government schools start charging tuition in the sixth grade. But Purnima was selected to be part of the Girls Education program with the nonprofit Room to Read and was able to continue her education. "I am the first person getting an education in my family and my brother and sisters did not get the chance due to our family background ... we are from a poor family so we cannot afford to go to school," says Purnima.
@highlight
Purnima from Nepal has just finished at the top of her class in secondary school
@highlight
Room to Read's Girls Education program has helped more than 21,000 girls attend school
@highlight
Purnima lives with her family in a room above the carpet factory where her older sister works
@highlight
In Nepal, parents follow tradition of Kamlari, selling daughters into indentured servitude
How you can help @placeholder girls and girls like Purnima in Nepal: