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Introduction
SSK proposes to work in Cholapur block of
Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, because the chosen region
of district is crucial not merely in terms of geographical expanse
but also of relevance for social development indicators particularly
with regard to girl child education. SSK has conducted a study
in Cholapur block on status of girl child education in muslim
community. The insight from study brings out the reasons for
gradual decline in the number of girl children going to school
as they move up the class ladder. The reason for drop out is
poverty which accounts for 34% drop out cases. 19% of drop out
cases are due to cultural environment which includes early marriage
for girl as well as there is an attitude that no higher education
for girls and why to waste resources on girls education. 17%
of drop out cases among girl children are due to household responsibilities
such as cooking, home- keeping and rearing younger siblings.
In contrast to this situation 55% girl children of the area
are willing to go to school and continue their education, if
due consent of their parents is taken. At community level it
is observed that majority of population approx 79% feel education
is important for overall development.
At present no efforts are made by the service providers to improve
quality of education. For PRIs (Local Government) education
comes last on the agenda when development indicators are concerned.
At present PRI is also not taking any initiative towards improving
quality of education or ensuring girl child education. Most
of energy of PRIs as well as teachers goes in managing mid-
day meal. Thus a strategic intervention needs to be taken up
which would focus on overall development of girl child with
a sense of empowerment and awareness towards their rights with
improved access to quality education.
Project Objective
Planned Activities
The planned activities under project are as follows-
Rapid
Assessment of the project area based upon the project deliverables-
A rapid assessment exercise will be carried out in the
proposed project area. The objective of the rapid assessment exercise
will be to set project bench marks which can be measured and quantified
in the end of the project period. Capacity
building program for women citizen leaders- A tailor
made training course will be designed for women citizen leaders,
the course will be of 28 days divided into 4 phases, including
exposure visits. The course will aim at building their aptitudes
at 3 levels knowledge, awareness and skill. The overall program
will build up leadership skills bringing in observable changes
the personality of women citizen leaders.
Phase 1- Understanding social change process
and development initiatives (Community Based Organizations)
Phase 2- Local Government system, group management, self and
personality
Phase 3- Pedagogy and joyful learning methods
Phase 4- Exposure Visit
Process of Selection of Citizen Leaders (Community Change Agents)-
A fair and transparent process of selection will be involved at the local level towards identification of citizen leaders (community change agent). Citizen Leaders will also come from the same minority community as the target group. A group of 15 minority women will be identified from 15 Villages. A committee for selection of citizen leaders will be formed. The committee will consist of 5-6 individuals having relevant experience of the issues related to minority rights as well as they will also have sound knowledge of the social and cultural dimensions of the proposed intervention area. One of essential criteria for selection of community change agents will be that they should have completed minimum education till class 12th. These selected women will act as role model at community level and will act as mentors to the minority girls of the area.
- VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR MINORITY GIRLS- Approx 60 minority girls in the first year of the project period will be identified from community for the vocational training program. Collaboration will be build up with local poly-technique for the vocational training. 4 batches will be formed depending upon the choice of the trade. The girls will be given certificates on completion of the course. The certificate will further create scope for their employment in future. As the girls are trained regular follow ups will be made to track their progress. They will continue to be part of the Adolescent girls group facilitated by SSK. SSK will maintain a database of the girls and will also try to link them with appropriate agency for employment opportunities. The post training support will include regular handholding and interaction with girls. Providing them scope to find some local opportunities for income generation. The efforts will also be made to link these girls with some government schemes and program.
- FORMATION OF VILLAGE INFORMATION AND RESOURCE CENTRE- Village information and resource centers will be established in each of the intervened villages. The resource centre will be community owned and the place for establishing centre will be unanimously decided by the community. The centre will be well equipped with books, educational games. Coaching classes for girls will be organized at the resource centre as well as other recreational activities.
- LINKAGE BUILDING WITH STAKEHOLDERS particularly with Village education committee- Linkages will be established with relevant stakeholders which will include Government officials, Government Departments particularly Department of Education, Government teachers and Other service providers will brought on same platform through interface platforms aiming at ensuring effective monitoring of the government programs and schemes towards promotion of girls education. The government programs particularly Mid Day Meal scheme and SSA- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan a national flagship programs will be monitored specifically.
- CAMPAIGN TOWARDS ACTIVATING VILLAGE EDUCATION COMMITTEE (VEC) – Massive campaign will be launched towards activating village education committee so that they are able to ensure quality education. The campaign will especially aim at making VEC more accountable. One of the important components of the campaign will be promoting enrollment of minority girls as well as sanitation issues in school.
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