Educate Her Empower Her

Dear Global Givers,

Here’s an update from our campaign ‘Educate Her Empower Her’; where we are thrilled to report that all 13 girls are doing well and working hard to achieve their dreams and aspirations. 

The girls are regularly attending classes and all of them have enrolled in extracurricular activities. The half-yearly exams will begin on 19th December. The girls are also attending extra classes to help them cope with subjects that they find difficult in comprehending. We are hopeful that these extra classes will help them to do well in their coming exams. 

Maya* is currently preparing for the Indian Civil Service exams which is one of the toughest and most contested exams. She is hard working and diligently studying towards achieving her goal. 

Nita* wants to become a Police Officer. She is training for the physical exam. She also plays kabaddi (an Indian outdoor game).

Kiran* and Suman* have both discovered a newfound interest in cricket. They both got recognition from the school for participating in a tournament.

All 13 girls have made new friends and enjoy participating in various cultural events organized on campus.

According to Sita*, “Humein itni achi opportunity mili hai, gaon mein yeh mauka nahi mil paata” (Here we get a such good opportunity, in the village, this would not have been possible).

The girls are happy to have the full support of the family now who otherwise would have sent them away to engage in sex work or have them married off. Some of the girls were facing difficulty with school expenses but with the support of some additional money, they can now buy books, shoes, and other necessities for their daily usage.  When families visit the girls, they bring delicious home-cooked meals. This is something the girls miss and eagerly and wait for the visiting days.

Jaanvi* is a senior student and also a mentor for the girls. She regularly meets the girls to check on them to see what kind of difficulties or challenges they are facing. 

Our team also visits the students monthly and meets with the Principal, Vice Principal, and Warden to ensure that the girls are doing well and coping with their studies. A meeting was also conducted with all the teachers to ensure that they are sensitive toward the girls and to get general feedback on their performance. The feedback from the teachers was that the girls need to work on their English as the medium of instruction is English. Daily extra classes are being held for the girls to help them learn English.

With many families losing their income amid the Covid-19 pandemic, female students have borne the brunt of disrupted education. This batch of girls is first-generation learners who are studying and have not been engaged in forced commercial sex work. We at iPartner India will focus on empowering girls in India through scholarship programs and providing them with skills to equip their future employment. 

Thank you, Global Givers, by working together, we can make a lasting difference. Your support ensures that these girls can have access to education and are empowered to take informed life decisions.

With deep gratitude,
Team iPartner India

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

Dear Global Givers,

Through your sustained support, we are happy to report that so far 13 girls have been able to get admission to a boarding institute. Initially, the boarding was only open for students in 10th and 12th grade but now the campus has opened up for all students.
 
In July, all 13 scholars left for the boarding school with the blessing of the elders of the village and family. This was an emotional moment as these girls were leaving their homes for the first time. The girls have mixed emotions, sad to leave loved ones back at home yet excited to finally be at the campus they have eagerly waited for. We are extremely proud that the girls have signed up for horse riding classes, swimming, hockey and dance classes. These extracurricular activities will help the girls find their passion and interest in life.

All 13 scholars have been attending classes on a regular basis. Since the institution is an English medium, some of the girls are finding it difficult to understand the English subject. Our team on the ground is in touch with the school administration to see how we can help the girls overcome some of the challenges they are going through. We are also alternately looking for mentors for these girls to help them cope with challenges.
 
The girls are thrilled to be able to get an opportunity to study in a reputed boarding institute. “I am finally seeing how much more opportunities there are after coming out of the village. This would not have been possible for me if I continued to live in the village”  said one of the scholars with a proud smile on her face.

Another scholar says that “now that I have got a chance to study, I will become a role model for other girls in my community.”

These girls stand testimony that if given an opportunity, how lives can turn around and bring change to the entire community.

iPartner India will continue to support more girls in the future, thereby giving these girls a chance in life to pursue their dreams and aspiration. Every girl we support, we are empowering them to further become change agents in their communities and prevent vulnerable girls from trafficking. Our intervention also includes helping the mothers of these girls find alternate livelihood opportunities so that they become economically self-sustained and not find educating their daughters a burden.

STORIES FROM THE GROUND

Maya (name changed) is currently pursuing her final year of college. Her mother works as a sex worker in their village. Maya is determined to complete her education and become a Civil Servant. After joining the boarding, she made friends with girls from various states. Maya is focusing on her studies and preparing for Civil Services (Indian Administrative Services) at the same time. She spends most of her time studying and enjoys going for a walk after meals.

Nita (name changed) is studying in 11th grade. Currently, she is facing difficulty as classes are taught in English. Her teachers are supportive and help her to cope with the courses. She has enrolled in Sanskrit, economics and Kathak (Indian classical dance). Nita wakes up early and goes to the gymnasium. She enjoys sports and has also signed up for swimming and volleyball.
 
Thank you, Global Givers, your support means a lot to these girls and is highly appreciated.

With deep gratitude,
Team iPartner India