Girls education, especially backward regions like Mewat in Rajasthan, has always been a challenge. After grade 8, girls start dropping out due to distance to schools, safety concern of parents and conservative mindset. While Ibtada has prepared enough ground to motivate parents, distance to school/college and inability to bear expenses becomes a hurdle. provide transport facility to girls and pay their college fee to enable continued education
Girls continued education after grade 8th, 10th and 12th is a challenge in targeted areas of Ibtada. Distance to education facility creates hurdles for girls. The means of transportation are either uncertain or parents are concerned about safety of girls. Therefore, most of girls dropout of schools after grade 8th. Those who are able to study till grade 12th, dropout thereafter. College education is expensive coupled with earlier stated constraints. Parents have also conservative mindset.
The project has mobilized the girls and motivated parents to continue their education till they complete graduation at college. For this, transport facilities from village to school/college have been arranged. Parents are at peace that the girls have a safe journey to school/college. For college education, there are expenses involved for fees, books, stationery. Ibtada has arranged to pay the fees and rest to be born by girls. This helps in girls continuing their education.
Education of adolescent and young girls have a long term impact on the gender relations and gender lookout in the community. Better educated girls are able to cope with challenges of life, be eligible for employment and strive for better status in the family and community. They take better care of self and family. They contribute to family livelihood, children's education and health. The whole effort is towards empowering girls and women and creating a gender equitable society.
