Increase Girls' Access to Education in Pakistan

Greetings, Friends -

Our program concluded for the 2014-2015 academic year, and progress so far has been excellent. Only 2 of the 101 total girls enrolled at the beginning of the year dropped out, and initial results from academic testing has been good. Bedari, our partner in Pakistan, conducted ongoing monitoring and meetings with parents and teachers.

In addition, and in spite of many logistical challenges during the winter months, Bedari conducted a number of self-growth classes for the students. Because these students come from many age groups, Bedari conducts appropriate sessions on a variety of topics of interest to girls and young women. Highlights from the first year are below:

Number of beneficiaries increased from 71 to 101:
As many parents opted to share the cost of education of their daughters, Bedari was left with surplus funds. It made an analysis of the cost, and after consultation with parents, staff, and Girls Ed, decided to include another 30 girls to the program. The program was extended to another village Dharyala Kahoon.

Results Announced:
Most of the girls went to their respective schools regularly. Annual exams were held for lower classes – from 6th to 10th during initial 6 months. The results for 6th, 7th, and 8th have been announced. All the girls studying under this project have successfully cleared their exams and have been promoted to the next classes. Result for the 9th and 10th is awaited. Exams for classes 11th to 14th would be held later between April and June 2015.

Three girls promoted from 6th to 8th class:
Three girls have been promoted from 6th to 8th class. These girls were studying in 8th class when they dropped out of school, but did not have certificates or any other proof. Initially, the school management did not agree to put them back in 8th class. However, they had promised to promote them to next classes if the girls performed well. This highly motivated the girls to perform well to get back to the class where they had left. They were really happy about this development.

Two girls dropped out:
Two girls have dropped out. They will be replaced as the new academic year begins.

Self-Growth Sessions Held:
Bedari organized 20 self-growth sessions for the girls – 5 in each village. On average, each session was attended by 25 girls. The subjects discussed in these sessions were:

• Communication Skills
• Sexual and reproductive health 
• Gender Based Violence/Gender Discrimination
• Women related laws in Pakistan

Achievements:

• The number of girls studying under this project has been increased from 71 to 101. 
• All the 32 girls, whose results have been announced, have passed their exams, and have been promoted to the next classes. 
• Three girls have been promoted from 6th to 8th class
• 20 self-growth training sessions held

We're very excited about the early success of this expanded program, and are very thankful for your support. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me on smurchie@gmail.com. 

Sincerely,

Steve