Get 10 000 children out of labour and into school

Thank you for your continued support during this challenging time. We are in regular contact with our partners on the ground in India. With India's lockdown extended, I'd would like to send you an update on the activity of the hostels.

Since mid-March, all project activities have stopped and the schools office is closed. The school team were keen to assist the local need during the effects of the coronavirus- for example using the premises as a space to quarantine members of the community who develop coronavirus symptoms- but this is dependent on government guidelines and has not taken place yet. 

In the meantime, while the children have returned to their families and villages to decrease the risk of infection and spread of the coronavirus, we continue to support them with your donations. Last week Karuna distributed nearly £4,000 of food and hygiene kits to 500 families across 45 villages. 

While we remain commited to education for all, gender equality and dignified livelihoods for marginalised communities in India and Nepal, the changing needs at this time mean we are meeting the immediate situation with crisis relief. 

If you would like to support our coronavirus relief effort, please visit www.globalgiving.org/projects/karuna-coronavirus-appeal/

With warm wishes and gratitude,

Erika Narkiewicz

www.karuna.org

Utalesha is 13 years old and lives with her mother, father and brother in a temporary shack in an isolated area in a village called Varudipathar. Her parents are daily labourers and the family are living hand to mouth. Her attendance at school had declined due to the 14km round trip she needed to make, in areas where she was scared of potential snakes and leopards, as had been seen around her village. Utalesha struggled with the hours it took to get to and from her school through risky areas; she was not physically strong enough for these long walks and the fear was also affecting her mental health. 

Utalesha wanted to attend school-  something practical and simple could make all the difference between her dropping out or continuing with her studies in a safe way.

A month’s intervention from a social worker meant Utalesha was given a bicycle and the confidence to cycle to and from school regularly. Her studies and attendance have improved and with this, her risk of marriage at a very young age, dropping out of education and poor self-confidence have decreased. 

Well done to Utalesha for riding her new bike, discovering her confidence and rediscovering her love for learning! 

Thank you for your support of girls such as Utalesha to overcome the barriers of poverty and reach their potential.