This project works with 120 children and young people from marginalised communities in 15 villages in Goa, India providing a range of educational interventions to increase the number of boys and girls completing primary and secondary education.
The families from these marginalised communities are stuck in a cycle of poverty with parents employed in unskilled, insecure and low paid work. Children quickly fall behind at school as they are taught in English which they do not speak. Parents are often illiterate and do not see the value in education, particularly for girls.20% children drop out of school aged 10, a further 35% drop out aged 12 and another 36% dropping out at aged 15.
The project engages both parents and children to provide them with the skills and support needed to complete primary and secondary education. Activities include: Street plays and outreach activities to engage parents in issues of education, health and social issues; villages study classes in English and other core subjects; the provision of hostel places for 72 students; careers guidance; vocational skills training; training and support for local teachers
Each child can access education, proper health care, nutrition, and recreation to enable them to complete their education and access further education and professional jobs. Alumni from the girls and boys hostels have gone onto higher education and to work in professional careers. They have established an alumni network and provide inspiration to current students by acting as role models.
