Educating for Strong Girls and a Strong Society

Karuna supports over 20 education projects in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. We know that girls who suffer from discrimination are the most in need. Early marriage, traditional views on gender and classroom bias mean that in South Asia, around 75% of girls drop out of education before the age of 16.

To stay in education, girls need the support of schools, their parents and the wider community. That’s why we work with schools directly, training teachers and helping raise awareness about the hidden biases that may be present in their classrooms. We help the parents too, creating parent groups and gaining government support they may be unaware of, encouraging them to think seriously about their daughter’s education instead of putting them second.

Avni is 13 and a student at one of the Karuna supported schools in Nepal. Her parents are both agricultural labourers and live together with Avni and her little brother, Ramesh, in a small, single-roomed house. Keeping the family fed, clothed and safe, let alone educated, is a daily struggle for both parents. For families like Avni’s, poverty removes everything but the most basic needs. Education for children, particularly girls, is a luxury that parents simply can’t afford. Her father, Dhankumar, remembers this himself, when he was a boy

“With education, you can affect your life and the world. I didn’t get that chance. My parents died when I was young — I needed to work to support myself. I can’t change things now, but my children can. I want a different life for my children. I will do anything I can to give them that chance.” Avni’s mother, also illiterate, knows that girls will struggle more. “The difficulties are not equal. My sons will help themselves if they get no education. They can work or get jobs. My daughter will not be allowed.” 

Education is a right that should be available to all regardless of their financial or social situation. We provide the materials that Avni needs to continue her schooling, such as books, bags, paints, pens and more. We also help her family become aware of government subsidies and their rights, accessing funds and other support. Finally receiving tangible financial and social support, they can keep their children in school and help create a different life for them. Avni is committed to making the best of this new opportunity. She wants to become a teacher. “I want to make a better future with my education and use it to help my family. Everyday I learn new things. If I stay focused and disciplined, I can spread my learning to others. I want to fulfil my parents dream and make them proud. If the wish is strong enough it will come true.”