Empower 5000 drop out Adolescent Girls in Lucknow

This quarter was  marked with up streaming   participation, expression and learning of adolescent girls leading to change among them. During the quarter from April to June 230 school dropout girls participated in state level platforms & institutions regional science centre, vocational training institutes, drawing completions  and expression opportunities  identified and collaborated by us for their exposure, interface, new generation vocational skills, peer learning  as a part of their road map to achieve aspirations. These processes are with linked with results related to adolescent girls indicators. Community volunteers developed under the project facilitated readmission of 52 out of school girls in school. 60 adolescent girls completed their vocational courses including computer based teaching skills, communication, operating business call centres, marketing etc. 18 girls of them received employment opportunities. It is encouraging to note that adolescent girls are demonstrating their skills and abilities learnt under the project to influence attitudes and behaviours of their parents, family members and wider community leading to  sustainable impact. Child and early marriages are heading toward exit gate now.

Following is the sample story of one of  the school drop adolescent girls, Soni living in Choti Jugauli slum. Soni’s father, Becha Lal, died when she was 6 years old. The condition of the family deteriorated since then.Soni had to quit her studies after class 10^th. The family was thinking of getting her married. In the mean time Sarathi started its community based model to prioritize and address the issues affecting life of adolescent girls in slums of Lucknow district. Soni joined the Adolescent Girls Group (AGG) when she was 16 years old. She  started to take interest on various issues like, education, health, nutrition etc. She used to discuss with her peers on these issues.She was reenrolled in 11^th calls with the support of community volunteers developed by Sarathi  in each of the slums.She also became the president of her group. Her mother Kamla Devi dropped the idea of her daughter’s marriage.Soni is currently graduated to role of community volunteer and wants to see that all girls get the opportunities to build and achieve their aspirations. Soni completed her 12 class and is now pursuing her Graduation 2^nd year.Now she understands the importance of an educated girl and the independence it brings about. As a result of this she has convinced her mother to postpone her marriage till she completes her studies and start working. Seeing Soni’s interest her mother supports in studies and respects her decision.  

We are grateful to all our donors and supporters for changing lives of thousands of girls like Soni in slums of Lucknow. Your continued support is a huge step towards making adolescent girls crafting their future.