Empowerment of Dalits in India

While caste-based discrimination in India continues to grow, fair and equal treatment is just a fantasy. For many children in India, school is just a dream. Caught in the cycle of poverty and exploitation, they are deprived of an education, they live in abject poverty, and they are forced to drop out of school and become child laborers.

Dalit Solidarity established St. Patrick's Academy in 2000 to brighten the lives of poor, marginalized and school dropout children. St. Partick's is providing quality and affordable education to children who come from rural communities.

More than 70% of those enrolled are Dalits who are untouchables under the caste system. Most of them are the first generation in their families to attend English Medium schools. A total of 75% of the families are daily laborers, who make less than $5 per day. As many as 80% of the parents are illiterate and struggle hard with their daily livelihood. We keep our doors open to any child regardless of their ability to pay or not. St. Patrick's maintains a strong record of success and excellence in meeting our objectives.

Currently more than 850 children are enrolled at St Patrick school from kindergarten to higher secondary. They come from 30 rural and remote villages that have no access to quality education and public transportation.

In a nation marked by its rich cultural diversity, the Dalit community has long endured systemic discrimination and marginalization. For centuries, they were relegated to the fringes of society, denied basic human rights, and subjected to social, economic, and political exclusion. However, amidst these challenges, a beacon of hope emerged through Dalit Solidarity, catalyzing transformative change and paving the way for a brighter future.

The inception of this project stemmed from a collective acknowledgment of the injustices faced by the Dalit community and a fervent commitment to address these disparities. This project aimed to dismantle barriers to Dalit empowerment across various domains – education, employment, healthcare, and social integration.

One of the primary pillars of this project was education. Recognizing education as a potent tool for social mobility and empowerment, initiatives were launched to ensure access to quality education for Dalit children. Special scholarships, mentorship programs, and infrastructure development in local areas were implemented to facilitate learning opportunities. As a result, school enrollment and retention rates among Dalit children surged, laying the foundation for a generation empowered with knowledge and skills.

While challenges persist, the strides made towards Dalit empowerment serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for a more equitable and inclusive future. Through perseverance, compassion, and solidarity, the chains of oppression are being broken, paving the way for dreams to flourish.