In India, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a real educational challenge, especially for children who were at the crucial moment of writing their school exams. The closure of schools and the introduction of technology in education caused stress and uncertainty. Thanks to the educational support of the ENLIGHT project, several girls, especially from the most disadvantaged communities, were able to achieve good results despite this and their aspirations are growing every day.
" Without Enlight, I would have stopped my studies a long time ago, listening to those who discouraged and mocked me for continuing my education and becoming a burden on the family. Joining this Aide et Action project has made me stronger and more determined. My goal is to become a lawyer and help girls and women who need legal support "Kavinila, who scored 469/600 in her fifth grade final exam, said. The girl lives with her family in an abandoned house near the railways in Trichy. Once a garbage collector, Kavinila's father now works as a welder and her mother works in a dal processing company. Despite the poverty and discouragement of those around her, Kavinila has never lost her focus and determination to succeed.
"Thanks to Enlight, I was able to overcome all the challenges.
Soundarya scored a respectable 85% in her final exams of the 5th grade. She and her family are very happy! Soundarya used to live with her parents in Salem district and joined the Enlight programme at a time when nothing was going well for her and her family. Her family was infected with HIV/AIDS. Enlight has transformed the girl into a confident person and given her a purpose. " Without Enlight, I would have dropped out of school a long time ago and gotten married. Enlight allows me to rebuild my confidence in myself and my parents. Now I have confidence in my future. I want to be independent before I get married "says Soundarya.
Young Tabsin from Bengaluru shares the same story with her score of 72% in her exam. "I am the first girl in my family to enter a school. I found it very difficult to understand the lessons and the subjects in class. But, thanks to Enlight, I was able to overcome all the challenges "says Tabsin.
Promoting education for 2000 marginalised girls
The Enlight project was launched in 2015 to promote the education of 2000 girls living in difficult conditions in 9 cities of India. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, Aide et Action's team is in regular contact with the children supported in their education. Those who could connect online were directed to educational applications while those who could not, were given printed lessons. The team contacted the children by phone and helped them regularly. These efforts were not in vain as 97 girls who sat for their 5th grade exams scored between 40 % and 90 % while 31 girls who sat for their 5th grade exams scored between 55 and 91 %. We are proud to have been able to successfully support these girls in pursuing their studies, building their future and developing their self-confidence.
On this special day, join us in making a donation to support girls' right to education!
For example, with a donation of €100, you help fund awareness-raising sessions on sexual harassment for 200 young Indian girls, like Soundarya. You are empowering them to defend their rights and protect themselves from violence.
For all girls today and for future generations, your donation can make a difference.
A big THANK YOU in advance for your support!
