What Challenges Do Rural Girls Face?
Girls born in the villages in and around Khategaon live in the poorest regions of India, and are among the most disadvantaged people in the world. They are more likely to live in poverty, more likely to be denied access to education, and more likely to be malnourished, simply because they are young and female.
The girl child in India can be discriminated against at many levels – first before birth, when she is an infant, through her schooling years and then into her youth and adulthood. Girls of school going age can either not be sent to school at all, or are made to stay at home if domestic or farming needs demand. This problem is especially acute in certain rural communities across India, such as in Madhya Pradesh. This is most often rooted in the misbelief that education is of no value to girls.
And yet, studies show that when you invest in girls, the whole world benefits. If a girl has enough to eat, a safe environment, and an education, she’ll work to raise the standard of living for herself, her family and her community. And in time, she can even strengthen the economy of her entire country.
How Will This Project Solve This Problem?
The Aim for Seva, Balika Vidyalaya School & Student Home, Khategaon, through its education program will mobilise and motivate more non-school going first generation learners and ensure provision of quality primary education, putting them firmly on the track of literacy. These girls will, in turn, positively impact the lives of their sisters and the girls around them. Fathers and brothers will be appreciative of the benefits of a literate girl in the household. This is a big step forward in the local community that we have been working towards.
What is the Potential Long Term Impact?
Girls who stay in school get married at more appropriate ages, have children later and have fewer children. They can take better care of their own and their children’s nutrition and health. Education opens up livelihood options and allows the girls to contribute to the economic up-lift of their families. Educated women make for informed voters and thereby improve governance around them. Most importantly, education gives these girls a sense of self; a sense that they can influence their lives.
What Evidence is there to Support Girls?
Support these girls receive will provide them with an incredible power to change the future. Educating girls has a far-reaching impact on families and the communities they are a part of. Both the United Nations and the World Bank have determined a strong correlation between literacy and social development. The largest benefits to developing countries arise when education is extended to girls. Countries that promote girls’ literacy have greater economic development and a higher standard of living.
According to studies from the World Bank, educating girls has many benefits:
“Studies show that when you invest in girls, the whole world benefits.”
- Girls help to bring better hygiene, health and nutrition to the whole family.
- They are more valued by their own families and marriage is delayed.
- Each year of schooling can lower child mortality by up to 10%, and can reduce the number of pregnancies by 10%.
- The spread of HIV and other diseases is limited. Literate girls and women can access appropriate information to prevent infection.
- Literate girls and women are less vulnerable to human trafficking and the perils of the sex trade.
- Literate girls participate more in decision making at home and in the community.
- Children of literate women are more likely to become educated themselves.
- Literate girls are more employable. Even just one year of primary school can boost income 10% to 20% for women later in life
“If the foundation is stable, and the roots are trenched in, the child like a tree, has a chance to develop and grow.”