Give GIRLS in India a CHANCE at life

Dear Donor,

Hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy!!

Mentioning below some of the key highlights of our work between July and September 23!!

Empowering Youth and Team Change Leaders through Capacity Building Skills

 "This training helped me understand that people see right and wrong in different ways. I used to follow what others thought, but now I believe in myself more. Thank you, Breakthrough, for making this workshop so helpful." - Sonia, a young TCL from Panipat, was initially unsure about coming to the workshop, but it turned out to be really interesting and taught her new things about herself.

Breakthrough is dedicated to empowering Youth and Team Change Leaders (TCLs) to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Gender-Based Discrimination (GBD) in their communities. In Haryana, we organized immersive Theatre-Based Training Workshops, gathering 31 enthusiastic TCLs from four intervention districts. These workshops enhanced participants' knowledge, skills, and confidence in promoting gender equality.

Our training in Haryana went beyond just understanding gender-related issues; it also focused on developing theatrical skills. Through creative exercises and role-playing activities, participants improved their communication abilities and storytelling skills. The TCL training took a holistic approach, fostering empathy, resilience, and leadership qualities. Notably, the "Imagination/Kalpana" exercise encouraged innovative thinking and inspired participants to envision a world free from discrimination and violence. Our dynamic Theatre-Based approach empowered TCLs to become effective advocates for gender equality.

Initiatives Taken by TCLs and Youth in Their Communities:

1. In Jhajjhar, Haryana, TCLs organized a rallying event on Child Labour Day, raising awareness about child rights and the importance of eradicating child labour.
2. TCLs engaged in open discussions on menstrual hygiene, breaking taboos and fostering a healthier understanding of the topic within their communities.
3. TCLs took charge of celebrating community occasions independently, showcasing their confidence and ability to drive positive change.
4. In Delhi, youth initiated safety audits within their Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs) to identify and address safety and infrastructure issues.
5. Inspired by the success of the safety audit in Dabua, TCLs from Sangam Vihar conducted a thorough survey and submitted applications to improve their community's safety measures. As a result, 120 CCTV camera have been installed in the various parts of the Sangam Vihar.

These initiatives demonstrate TCLs' and youths’ unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change in the communities, combating gender-based discrimination and violence in their communities, creating a safe space for women and fostering a more informed and equal society.

Breakthrough Rising Stars: Fellowship Triumphs in Haryana and Delhi

Our Team Change Leaders (TCLs) from Haryana and Delhi are making remarkable strides in youth empowerment and positive change.

International Recognition for Anjali: Anjali Jangra, a TCL from Haryana, achieved international recognition by being selected for the 2023 Asian Girls in Action Project in Taipei, Taiwan, organized by The Garden of Hope Foundation-International Affairs. Anjali's participation showcased her commitment to empowerment and education, with Breakthrough's Arty Soni representing her work during the Asian Girls Summer Study Tour.

Our TCLs are also excelling on a national level earning the following prestigious fellowships:

-    Gandhi Fellowship: Ruksar from Karnal earned a spot in the prestigious Gandhi Fellowship, organized by the Piramal Foundation, focusing on leadership and grassroots social change.

-    Gram Swarajya Fellowship: Pankaj and Kamal, also from Karnal, were recognized with the Gram Swarajya Fellowship, empowering youth to drive rural development initiatives.

-    Starlink India Collective Fellowship: Nargis from Sangam Vihar, along with Varsha and Neelam from Jhajjar, secured positions in the Starling India Collective fellowship, equipping them with tools to address pressing societal issues.

The TCLs’ bagging these fellowships not only demonstrates their passion and dedication, but also provides them with opportunities to expand their horizons, build leadership skills, and make lasting contributions to their causes. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact they will continue to create in their communities and beyond.

Community Mobilisation – Kishor-Kishori Mela

“In society, equality and progress can only thrive when boys and girls have equal opportunities.” This profound statement, shared during the Kishor-Kishori Mela at Government Senior Secondary School, Siwadi by a teacher encapsulates the essence of Breakthrough's transformative initiative. The Kishor Kishori Mela, a community mobilisation effort, has been making waves in various districts of Haryana.

This year, the "Kishor Kishori Mela" focuses on the theme "Badi Si Asha: Humari Samasya, Humare Prayas" (Big Hope: Our Issues, Our Solutions). It's more than an event; it's a platform designed to ignite discussions on the significance of higher education for adolescent girls and their aspirations. Breakthrough has employed innovative methods like Muppet Theater, Forum Theatre, Films, and Stories to spark conversations among young people, parents, and the community.

These engaging approaches are amplified through popular and digital media to ensure a wide reach. Collaborating with professional theater teams has deepened community understanding through the arts. The primary objective is to raise awareness about girls' education and inspire them to return to school and pursue their dreams.

Kishor-Kishori Melas have been organized in 125 gram panchayats across six Haryana districts: Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, and Gurugram. These events serve as vibrant platforms where thousands of adolescents, parents, communities, and stakeholders actively participate. Since its launch in mid-August, the Kishore-Kishori Melas have received an overwhelmingly positive response. Youth, parents, community leaders, teachers, and adolescents have expressed their enthusiasm for this initiative. For instance, Ms. Alka Lamba, the principal of Ganjbad Government School, emphasized the urgency of girls and women realizing their dreams.

The impact of the Kishor Kishori Mela goes beyond participation. Adolescents, especially girls, actively engage in the program and courageously share their views on societal challenges. One young girl fearlessly expressed how societal norms hinder girls' dreams and contribute to violence against women during one Kishori Mela. Her words resonated deeply, emphasizing the need to address this issue and showcasing the power of theater in driving positive change. The involvement isn't limited to adolescents; even teachers and principals support these activities in schools, thanks to Breakthrough's strong rapport. Furthermore, the program has gained support from government officials who have been highly appreciative of Breakthrough's efforts.

This all work is happening because of support of DONORS like YOU. We would request you to continue your support and if possible recommend our project to like-minded people.

With Hope and Gratitude,

Aman Chhabra.