Support for Continued Education of Girls

Ibtada’s Journey in Girls Education Programme

Ibtada started its girl’s education intervention in the year 2000 when seven learning centres were set up in five villages. Later, we named these as Taleemshalas. The centres catered to drop out or never enrolled girls, and facilitated primary level (Class V) learning levels. The first batch of girls who passed class V from these centres came out in 2004. These girls were mainstreamed in class VI to govt. schools. Meanwhile, the programme got good response and we kept scaling up Taleemshalas to other blocks and villages. By 2010-11, Ibtada was running 121 Taleemshalas. After the advent of Right to Education Act (RTE) in 2010, we started phasing out Taleemshalas and started intervening in govt schools. Taleemshalas were completely phased out in 2015. During these 15 years, about 8500 girls got educated in Taleemshalas.

In 2012-13, we started working with girls beyond primary level. The activities include supplementary tuition classes, computer training, life skills education, career facilitation, competitive coaching classes and girls’ resource centres at village level.

Transport Facility for Girls to School/College

When we started in year 2000, primary education of girls was a challenge. Now a day, girls are attending schools till class V, many of them pursue till class VIII, because primary and elementary schools are close to settlements. After class VIII, girls start dropping out because firstly the distance to school increases and transport facilities are not available, and secondly parents also start thinking that she is grown up and should help her mother. Safety of girls is also one of the major concerns.

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. 

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 borne by girls

Coverage and Outreach 

This year Ibtada is supporting 99 girls. Of this 53 girls are attending College in undergrad course and 46 girls are attending high school. There are 7 vehicles put in place to provide transport facility to girls. Most girls are first generation females who are attending high schools and college. 

In addition to the continued education, Ibtada is also working for empowerment of these girls by conducting workshops on their dreams, aspirations and self-confidence. All the college going girls have attended at least one session. 

Ibtada is planning to conduct a residential camp and motivating the parents to send their daughters to a 10-day camp at Ibtada Resource Centre where the girls could focus on academics and attend some sessions on life skills and empowerment.  

The examination time for girls in school is almost there and the team is putting best efforts so that the girls perform well. Annual exams for girls in Colleges will start in April.