Educate Her Empower Her

Dear Global Givers,

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your commitment and generous contributions to the ‘Educate Her, Empower Her’ campaign. Your support has been the cornerstone of the progress we have achieved thus far.

The scholars are thriving in the university's nurturing environment. The girls have made remarkable strides in learning to master the English language. Their academic journey goes beyond their textbooks and examinations. Sakshi (name changed) is aiming high with her dream of becoming an air hostess, while Maya (name changed) has excelled in an internal IAS (Indian Administrative Services) exam and has ranked 13 in her coaching institute. Maya graduated from the university this year with your constant support provided in the previous years. 

A recent cultural event showcased our students’ talents in traditional dances, celebrating their cultural heritage and unity. Furthermore, some scholars are also busy showcasing their interests and talents in fashion. Seema (name changed), a fine arts student, has crafted an innovative wrap-around dressing item. 

Counselling sessions have transformed family perspectives, enabling girls like Tanu (name changed) to continue their education. Similarly, Meeta’s (name changed) journey from a life of sex work to pursuing education against the pressures has been an inspiration to other girls in familiar environments. Overall, the university’s environment has provided a safe haven for her and many others from the fear of sex trafficking. 

On the ground, the team is tirelessly identifying girls vulnerable to sex trafficking who can be enrolled in the boarding institution in June 2024. We need to enroll 27 additional girls, as promised at the beginning of the campaign, and we are continuously striving for that. One girl has the power to change the fate of many more girls and their families, releasing them from the clutches of intergenerational sex trafficking. This year, iPartner India is also supporting more than 300 non-boarding scholars who are at moderate risk of trafficking. The risk is assessed based on age, financial resources, and the involvement of immediate family members in the sex trade. When the risk increases from moderate to severe, the girls are supported to enroll in the boarding institute through family counselling aimed at behaviour modification.

We close this update with a renewed sense of gratitude. Your support is not just a donation; it's a lifeline that sustains our mission and expands the horizons of these young girls. We hope you will continue to stand with us in this noble endeavor, empowering more lives and nurturing more dreams. Please click here to learn more about the campaign and its progress so far. 

With warm regards and deepest thanks,

Team iPartner India

Dear Global Givers,

Thank you for your continued support to educate and empower young girls vulnerable to sex work and trafficking. In our relentless pursuit of empowering girls and transforming lives, we are pleased to share the progress and impact of our collaborative initiative. The enthusiasm and joy among the girls already enrolled in the program are palpable. They are embracing their educational journey with fervor and dedication, savoring the new opportunities that come their way.

Update on Scholar’s Programme 

As reported in the last quarter, with the help of your donation, 13 girls continue to pursue their education. We are also pleased to share that after appearing for their final exams in April 2023, all 13 scholars passed with flying colors. As a gesture of encouragement, the students were gifted new backpacks, water bottles, sanitary napkins, and, as Indian traditions go, some chocolates.

Maya* continues to be determined to pursue civil services. Among all scholars under the programme, she has secured the highest percentage in her exams. Maya is dedicated to her goal of being an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer. IAS competitive exam is one of the toughest to crack. Although there is a long way to go, she wishes that her current inspires the young girls in her village so that they can stand up for their rights to education and escape the perils of sex work and trafficking. 

Aarti* continues to face pressure to support her family through forced commercial sex work. However, with your support, Aarti's life took a positive turn. She passed her recent exams, which brought immense pride to her family and community. Amidst all challenges, especially financially, she remains determined to pursue her graduation and wishes to be an air hostess/passenger service associate.

Reena* grew up in a family struggling with poverty and hardships. With her father being HIV positive, the burden on her family was immense, and the only possible way out would be sending Reena for sex work. Despite these circumstances, she has completed and passed Grade 10 with your support. Reena’s determination to continue her education and embrace her talents as a singer became the guiding force in her life.

Tina* excelled in her Grade 12 exams with your dedication to helping her pursue her education. This has inspired her to become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Amidst her academic pursuits, Tina was also a supportive pillar for her family. However, her health has deteriorated over the past year with an urgent need to perform surgery. 

While these 13 students have faired well, we have also shortlisted 40 new scholars to join our education. As the girls progress through their educational journey, we understand that the pressure they face, especially after 12th grade, can be overwhelming. However, we are committed to providing them with the support and resources to fearlessly pursue their dreams.

Our focus on engaging with families through counseling has proven to be fruitful. We have witnessed a remarkable shift in their perceptions by addressing their concerns and providing them with valuable insights into the transformative power of education. This has not only paved the way for more girls to enroll in our program but has also fostered a supportive environment for the girls' personal growth.

Meeta* is one among the 40 scholars who need our ardent support. Despite constant counseling sessions, Meeta’s parents were not pleased with supporting their daughter’s future. After many hardships, Meeta’s perseverance and other scholars’ support were vital in convincing her parents of their consent. Meeta is among the many young vulnerable girls from Rajasthan who have been rescued from sex trafficking through our shared efforts. 

For this, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors who have stood beside us in this noble endeavor. Your unwavering belief in these young girls' potential and generous contributions have been instrumental in transforming lives and fostering hope in the darkest corners. However, the challenges persist, and the need for support remains critical. 

Together, we hope to change lives and uplift these shortlisted 40 scholars with education, protection, and a chance to dream of a brighter future. With your continued support, we can ensure these resilient girls overcome their circumstances and emerge as empowered leaders. 

With heartfelt gratitude,

Team iPartner India 

(*All names have been changed to protect the identity of the girls)