How we’re helping 25 girls find higher learning

Imagine: 25 girls who were out of school in India are now earning their diplomas, thanks to our supporters and implementing partner Integrated Rural Community Development Society (IRCDS).

Unfortunately, many barriers blocked the girls’ road to education.

In fact, 14 of the young women had finished 10th or 12th grade in the past and didn’t continue due to financial troubles at home following the pandemic, difficulty travelling to school and fear for their safety, among other challenges. The rest of the girls recently completed their studies, but needed to begin earning a daily wage immediately to help their families recover lost income from the past year.

Thankfully, their stories don’t end there.

The situation changed for these eager students when they talked to their peers and local community representatives at career guidance sessions held by IRCDS. Now their parents are supporting them to continue their education at one of four institutions where half of their tuition will be covered.

The girls are excited for the hope this news brings. “Since I joined the course, my life has been saved from the social evil of child marriage,” Nirmala, a 15-year-old enrolled in the diploma in nursing administration program, told us. “Thanks to my friends and community members, my parents realized the negative consequences of child marriage and the importance of pursuing education as they also attended a career guidance session conducted by IRCDS.”

Now, these young people — nearly 90 percent of whom are from excluded tribal or low caste (class) communities  — are pursuing futures in nursing, lab work and computer studies.

You can empower more girls during this week’s #DayOfTheGirl celebrations. Send a girl to school today by sponsoring a girl child.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance:

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.