This campaign has now closed
Dalits in India face widespread discrimination and many Dalit children are illegally ostracised from state schools. In our learning centres, 900 Dalit children will gain the academic skills and self-confidence they need to access state schools and other services their communities are denied.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Despite having equal rights in Indian law, the ‘untouchable’ Dalit minority remain at the bottom of the entrenched Hindu caste system and face persecution and violence from the police and dominant castes. They are regularly denied access to water, health care and fair employment. Most Dalit children are enrolled in state schools but many do not attend as they are bullied and beaten by teachers and pupils. Uneducated and unaware of their rights, Dalits remain marginalised and trapped in poverty.
Solution
Providing learning centres in slum and rural areas in Bihar state, so over 900 out-of-school Dalit children can learn the state curriculum. Many pupils are Musahar ‘rat eaters’, the most downtrodden Dalit subset; 75% are girls. Well trained, Dalit teachers are inspiring role models and there is a strong focus on building self-worth, rights awareness and confidence. Once ‘school ready’ children are supported to realise their right to a state education, where many outperform their non-Dalit peers.
