What We Do?

Our ‘Educational Facilitators’ go to schools as per their time-table and conduct well designed modules on different themes in a participatory, elective way for the girls and boys entering in their puberty/teen age – Standards 6th to 8th. Our carefully designed and developed curriculum covers 10 life centered themes; namely Body literacy, Financial literacy, Legal literacy, Relationships & Home Management, Health & Hygiene, Science in daily life, Art of cooking-Food & Nutrition, Life-skills and Personality development, Civic training and Celebrating womanhood.

Why We Do?

For one or the other reasons, many percentages of girl children are pushed out from the education system after 8th, 10th or 12th and accept semi-literate, submissive life in feudal structure of society having gender disparities. We convey them that you need not restrict the process of education within the four walls of a school; you can be a life-long learner, you can get need based education to live a meaningful and satisfying life, you can celebrate your womanhood and by being an enlightened citizens contribute a lot to your family, community, and nation.

Problem Statement:

There are great educational disparities among girls in India. Many of these girls are raised without the expectation that they will complete their education, and since they become the mothers of the next generation, educational disparities become a cyclical, intergenerational issue. The continued shortage of formal education among young females leads to poverty, decreased child well-being, health issues, and increased domestic violence.

Theory of Change:

If teen age school going girls are motivated to be a life-long learner, with the help of critically designed, need base life-oriented lessons to meet future challenges and to live a meaningful and satisfying life, they will not only celebrate womanhood and be an important member of the family but they will also become enlightened citizens, a change agent in the community and will contribute in the nation building a lot.

SDG-4: Quality Education & Girl Child Education

SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

  • By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes.
  • By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education.
  • By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
  • By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
  • By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
  • By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
  • Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender sensitive and provide safe, nonviolent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all.

Girl Child Education in India:

The education of the girl child in India remains a critical issue despite significant advancements in policy and practice. Socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and inadequate policy implementation continue to hinder the universal education of girls. In 2015, the Indian government introduced the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme to address concerns about gender discrimination and women empowerment in the country. The name Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao translates to ‘Save the girl child, educate the girl child’. The scheme aims to educate citizens against gender bias and improve the efficacy of welfare services for girls.

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana aims to achieve the following goals:

  1. Improve the child sex ratio
  2. Ensure gender equality and women empowerment
  3. Prevent gender-biased, sex-selective elimination
  4. Ensure survival and protection of the girl child
  5. Encourage education and participation of the girl child

A comprehensive strategy that addresses socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural barriers, combined with effective policy implementation, is essential for furthering gender equality in education. By addressing these issues holistically, India can continue to make strides toward ensuring that every girl can receive a quality education and realize her full potential.

At Jeevantirth, we aligning our activities with ‘Global SDGs’, ‘National Priorities’, and ‘Local Needs’ we design and customize our educational interventions.

We at Jeevantirth, humbly believe that in a democratic society; we need to support Government’s efforts by ‘Bridging the Gaps’ and ‘Adding the Values’ to the pro-poor, pro-people policies and programs as a civil society initiative.

At present we are running GCE: ‘Anubandh Shala Kaaryakram’ in 11 Schools covering 1500 teen age boys and girls.

Why is there a need for Girl Child Education?

According to UNICEF; investing in girls’ education transforms communities, countries, and the entire world. Girls who receive an education are less likely to marry young and more likely to lead healthy, productive lives. They earn higher incomes, participate in the decisions that most affect them, and build better futures for themselves and their families.

Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals – including boys and men – the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Man being the bread earner for hundreds of years has created a patriarchal society; this notion cannot be broken in a couple of decades. Children imbibe only that which family and the culture marinate them with. Unfortunately, the current scenario is such that people are caught up in past rituals while the reality requires a practical approach. Children from slums have limited thinking due to cultural fetters as does every child. Our staff members have recognized that girls from slums are unable to think beyond the cultural conditioning. 

Females, in Indian cultures, are subjected to situations that arise due to an insecure mind. Even the most learned class are unaware of the reasons and benefits behind this shift; consequently, they cling to old patterns. How then can slum folks, who have very limited global perception, be blamed? Due to these parents tend to pull girls out of schools by 8th to 10th grade.

This confined thinking affects each phase of a female’s life. Certain cultures brand females displaying free will as immoral; it is to such an extent that a girl cannot even leave her house by herself. This tends to create either a dependent or a frustrated individual. Having been pulled out of school the girls are directed towards household work as it has been since centuries. This is followed by an early marriage which subsequently results into babies. Restrained, these individuals are unable to think beyond child rearing and household chores. 

Denying education to women in this age would mean disabling half of the nation’s potential workforce; this is a backbone shattering blow not only to Indian economy, but also to Indian culture and homes.

To effectively solve the issues rooting from such confusion, our staff members have come up with methods that deal with them in a positive manner. Negativity begets more negativity, only communication is the bridge. We have many instances where girl children have been able to change the complete scenario of their homes; they have created an environment of understanding and tolerance.

We have spoken about Girl Child Education affecting the nation or the world, but whatsoever actions are taken at that level, are inadequate if they do not bring about wellbeing in homes. In a nation like India where anything concerned with sex is a taboo, puberty becomes a decisive factor in building an individual’s perception towards life. As a result of girls being pulled out of school, they are unable to obtain even basic sex education; illiteracy has done unparalleled harm in aiding population explosion. Along with puberty these girls must go through social changes that they are not capable to understand. This builds up suppression, gnawing at the girls and their families. Sex being a taboo, girls are hesitant to talk about their issues. This very effectively builds up walls between the children and their families to such a degree that girls feel they must obey certain rules in their homes! 

Jeevantirth staff members act as catharsis for these girls; patiently we listen to their issues. Without placing blame, we explain the girls why the family members act in this manner, we elucidate the underlying conditionings. Generally, we encourage the girls to act and bring about the necessary change themselves. However, whenever needed, we hold parents’ meetings where we shed light upon parents’ doubts as well. We have examples of households where the children who had drifted apart from their parents now get along well.

Mother is a child’s first teacher; she is also the closest to the infant. An educated girl becomes an educated mother. Education gives her the ability to discern right from wrong; it makes her capable to deal with her issues in a practical and civilized manner. 

We make sure that adolescent girls learning with us try to join our Vocation Training Centre; here they learn earning skills like tailoring, marketing, computer studies, etc. Consequently, they become a part of Self-Help Groups; these groups emphasize on monthly savings which help them in various ways. 

This way they understand value of education, their earning capacity and learn management skills through savings. Most importantly it frees these individuals of the vicious cycle of rag-picking that has had its hold on many families since generations.

Why Boys are included in Girl Child Education?

Boys should be included in gender training because it is crucial to engage them in dismantling harmful gender stereotypes, promoting gender equality, and empowering them to be active allies against gender-based inequalities, ultimately creating a more equitable society for everyone; by understanding the perspectives of girls and women, boys can learn to challenge harmful masculinity and contribute positively to relationships and communities. 

Key reasons to include boys in gender training:

  • Challenge harmful gender norms:

Traditional masculinity often encourages behaviors like aggression, emotional suppression, and dominance, which can contribute to gender violence and inequality; gender training helps boys critically examine these norms and develop healthier expressions of masculinity. 

  • Promote active allyship:

By educating boys about the challenges faced by girls and women, they can become active allies who speak out against sexism, discrimination, and violence. 

  • Improve relationships:

Understanding gender dynamics can lead to more respectful and equitable relationships between boys and girls, both in personal and professional spheres. 

  • Prevent gender-based violence:

Early intervention through gender training can help boys develop healthy attitudes towards relationships and reduce the risk of perpetuating violence against women. 

  • Foster a more inclusive society:

By involving boys in the conversation about gender equality, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone feels empowered and respected. 

Important aspects of gender training for boys:

  • Critical thinking about gender roles: Encourage boys to reflect on societal expectations of masculinity and how they might be limiting.
  • Empathy and perspective-taking: Help boys understand the experiences and perspectives of girls and women.
  • Healthy communication skills: Develop skills for respectful dialogue and active listening.
  • Bystander intervention: Teach boys how to safely intervene when witnessing harmful behaviors related to gender. 

Why ‘Girl Child Education’ Program is Co-named as:  “ANUBANDH SHALA KAARYAKRAM”?

The meaning of ‘ANUBANDH’ is Co-Relation. Everything in this world is related with everything. We must find correlation and establish harmony! “Everything is connected to everything else” is a concept that describes the interconnectedness of the world, and is known as the First Law of Ecology: 

This concept reflects the complex network of connections between living organisms, species, populations, and their surroundings. It is often used to illustrate how human population growth can have far-reaching effects on the environment and society. Donella Meadows suggests that viewing systemic issues and solutions as elements of the same system can create positive change. The quote “Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else” is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. 

Involving boys in Girl Child Education can help them learn how to contribute to gender equality in their work and daily lives. Such involvement can help boys: 

  • Understand gender roles: Learn how gender plays a role in their lives and work 
  • Identify gender inequalities: Learn to identify gender inequalities in their field 
  • Define gender equality objectives: Learn how to define gender equality objectives 
  • Take gender into account: Learn how to consider gender when planning and implementing policies 
  • Monitor progress: Learn how to monitor progress towards gender equality 
  • Evaluate programs: Learn how to evaluate programs from a gender perspective 

Boys can also take practical actions to promote gender equality, such as: 

  • Mentoring women in their professional fields
  • Supporting women’s leadership roles
  • Advocating for equal pay
  • Speaking out against sexist behavior
  • Standing in solidarity with women who face harassment and discrimination
  • Promoting education that is sensitive to gender issues
  • Acknowledging male privilege

Engaging boys in gender equality is important for the strength of communities, economies, and environments, and for the health and wellness of children.

A Line of Gratitude:

We express our gratitude from the deepest of our heart to Gisela Foundation – Netherlands, Shree Chetankumar Shah (in loving memory of his father Bhupendrabhai Shah) & Friends of Jeevantirth for providing opportunity to give Life-oriented need-based education and citizenship training to our under-privileged teen aged girls and boys of the nearby schools of one of the biggest slum – RamaPirNo Tekro in Ahmedabad.

Get Involved:

We appeal individual donors, well-wishers and corporate to adopt as many girls as they can or sponsor expenditure of one School’s girls or part of it, or give support for the educational trip, or provide educational or art & craft materials or play things to them, or spend your quality time and expertise by entertaining or helping them to learn, and bless them to become enlightened citizens to build the nation. Be part of the ‘Friends of Jeevantirth’ and our ambassador.