Education India Project #34134

Aaranyak: A Rural Alternative Learning Space

by Shaishav Child Rights

Summary

The project will fund a rural alternative learning space which allows tribal children to take charge of their education. With the help of the community, we will offer lessons on traditional livelihoods, academic subjects geared toward re-entry to mainstream education if the child chooses, and life skills development. This will be a free learning space entirely dictated by the children with adults acting only as facilitators. This initiative will revitalize local pride and joy of learning.

$50,000
total goal

$19,958
remaining

104
donors

1
monthly donor

4
years

Challenge

Tribal communities of Narmada district in Gujarat, India, come from a long history of marginalization. Basic rights of children are not fulfilled, especially their right to participation at the level of home, school and community. Education significantly affects lives of children, however, there is no space for them to make decisions for themselves in this area. Access to quality education is a big challenge. Tribal children of Dediyapada block will reclaim their rights through this project.

Solution

The project aims to empower tribal children through child rights & life skills and cocreate child friendly villages through active participation of children, parents, local leaders, etc. The project will create safe space for children where they can freely express themselves and be accepted for who they are and get to decide for themselves about what they want to learn, how they want to learn and learn by doing. This will happen through instilling pride in local culture and connecting to nature.

Long-Term Impact

By 2028, 2000 children within Aaranyak will possess age appropriate self design learning and life skills. They will be empowered through child right and reclaim their rights. Tribal children would exhibit increased self-confidence and self-esteem. Together, children, parents, teachers and other local leaders will create child friendly villages.Tribal communities, Aashramshalas, and progressive schools would be enlightened to environmental preservation and simple and sustainable community living.