P&G’s generous contribution under their ‘Shiksha’ education program is helping us educate disadvantaged girls in some the most educationally backward states of the country – Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh. Under the program, Save the Children is working in 12 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs). These residential schools have been set up by the Government with the aim of providing special educational support to girls from low caste and tribal backgrounds. However, these schools often do not provide quality education that the girls deserve and need. As KGBV teachers do not currently have the necessary skills or resources to respond to individual learning needs of their diverse students, many girls are excluded from meaningful learning. Beyond the immediate context of the school, there is a larger socio-cultural issue of female disempowerment. In light of the significant obstacles that marginalised rural girls face and the disempowerment that they experience, Save the Children has been working with KGBV students to make them aware of their rights and entitlements, conducting life skills training to build their confidence, leadership skills and knowledge of positive health and hygiene practices, equipping them to monitor and report on the quality of the services they are provided, and take collective action when needed. Additionally, Save the Children has also facilitated opportunities for creative development through extracurricular activities and special camps, and organised forums for engagement with female entrepreneurs and professionals in a variety of fields to inspire girls to pursue further educational and development opportunities. |
