#donateforgirlchildeducation

[planindiango]

Plan India Girls Advocacy Alliance

A gradual change is being witnessed in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for girls in the states of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana state (TS). Governments of AP and TS have taken official cognisance of the burgeoning child rights problem. Work has begun to amend and plug the loopholes in the law that allows child marriages. Religious leaders are spearheading awareness drives about the economic, health and legal repercussions of child marriages within their communities. Village-level Child Protection Committees (CPCs) are being formed and strengthened based on the guidelines created by Plan India in collaboration with the state governments. A strategy paper examining corporate social responsibility spending beyond primary education of girls and identifying the lacunae in support for secondary and higher education which accounts for the highest dropout rates has been published. All these initiatives are a part of Plan India’s biggest global advocacy programme, Girls’ Advocacy Alliance (GAA). GAA is an initiative of Plan International–Plan Netherlands, Terre des Hommes– Netherlands and Defence for Children–ECPAT Netherlands and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The project’s goal is to create an environment where girls can build a life of self-reliance, dignity and financial independence. GAA focuses on systemic and attitudinal changes to stop child marriages and child trafficking by promoting secondary education for girls and job oriented vocational training (JOVT) for young women.

Plan India’s innovative strategies for changing social norms, networking, influencing, and gathering evidence are beginning to bear fruit. Youth advocates of GAA are actively raising their voices to demand their rights. Work is in progress with the private sector to promote focused spending and establishing infrastructure to create opportunities for continued secondary education and JOVT for young women. Plan is successfully breaking siloes and creating synergies between the judiciary and the government departments of state legal services, education, and women and child welfare to protect girls’ rights. The project also sensitises other CSOs to incorporate the GAA themes into their core operations and advocacy.

Highlights

26,08,393 potential people reached through policy-level changes on Girls Advocacy Alliance focus themes of child marriages, child trafficking, and secondary education.

194,13,478 potential girls reached through policy-level changes on Girls Advocacy Alliance focus themes of child marriages, child trafficking, and secondary education.

334 religious leaders engaged in ending child marriages.

Collaboration with 108 Civil Society Organizations for influencing and advocacy actions on gender-based violence and girls education.

394 youth advocates empowered to raise voice against gender-based violence and girls education.

Together with the state government 49,70,198 girls and 36,17,533 boys reached out with messaging on combating child marriages and trafficking as well as on the importance of secondary education and skilling.

#sponsorachild #girlgducationngoindia #ngoforgirls #donateforgirlchildeducation #girlchildeducationdonation

[planindiango]

Plan India's young girl changemakers from #DigitalMitra program have created a video on how education can equip girls with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their lives and helps them break free from poverty and discrimination. Educated girls are more likely to participate in the workforce, contribute to the economy, and provide a better life for themselves and their families. The video has been conceptualized and created by the #DigitalMitra as an effort to amplify girls’ voices through storytelling.

#sponsorachild #sponsorachildeducationinindia #donateforgirlchildeducation #donateforindianpoorchildren #sponsoreducationforachild #ngoforchildeducation

[planindiango]

Lets Girls Be Born

Sex-selective elimination of female foetuses, often through the misuse of the very technology that was developed for the care of an unborn child, continues to be a problem.

Let Girls Be Born (LGBB) is an advocacy project through which Plan India, with the support of Plan International – Netherlands, works to end discrimination and fight female foeticide through effective implementation of the law. The project is currently active in Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Innovations

Geo-tagged mapping of testing centres on a portal that strengthens Pre-Conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) cells through online tracking and compliance

Changes in Governance: Delegating Chief Medical Health Officer’s (CMHO) powers to the District Magistrate (DM) for effective enforcement of PC & PNDT Act and to prevent any probable collusion with the offenders

Plan India undertakes capacity building of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) who are trained at regional and block levels and then cascade their learning to peers and communities. These frontline workers (FLWs) coordinate, collaborate and consolidate efforts across the state to record and analyse data, identify and address gaps through grassroots level facilitation.

Plan also works with the state governments to showcase learning from other successful initiatives across India. Piloted in Rajasthan, the Mukhbir Yojana or Informant Scheme incentivises sharing of information on centres providing sex determination services or operating illegally. It is now also active in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. LGBB also works with volunteers empanelled by the State Legal Services Authority from the National Legal Awareness Programme and trained paralegals to disseminate information through Lok Adalats. The programme works with the communities on behaviour change and helps create a dialogue on roles for girls in the socio-economic context.

Active engagement with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has led to the display of ‘Guddi-Gudda’ boards within communities that present gender-segregated data. Effective tools for behaviour change, the boards drive ownership and spark reflection within communities over the issue of declining sex ratio. Peer educators and youth clubs have emerged as the backbone for community mobilisation and facilitation of on-ground actions. With work making rapid progress at both advocacy and grassroots levels, Plan is well on its way to ensure equality for girls’ right from their inception.

Highlights

Support to develop and manage the PC&PNDT portal in Jharkhand. Called ‘Garima Jharkhand’ the portal is being used to effectively monitor 938 registered ultrasound centres and genetic laboratories such as IVF centres.

1,632 girls enrolled for government’s flagship Sukanya Samiridhi Yojna with a total deposit of Rs 63,74,200 in the name of the girls by the parents.

848 girls enrolled for state-specific girl welfare schemes such as Mukhya Mantri Sukanya Yojna in Jharkhand, Rajshree Yojana in Rajasthan, and Kanya Sumangla Yojna in Uttar Pradesh.

99,650 community members reached with messaging on girls’ rights.

3000 students benefitted through the strengthening of Child Clubs and their libraries on gender equality in 15 schools of Jaipur.

Read More: https://www.planindia.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/because-i-am-a-girl-2/

#girlchildeducationdonation #donateforgirlchildeducation #ngoforgirls #girlgducationngoindia

[planindiango]

The 1st episode aims to simplify the concept of Cyber सुरक्षा, covering the basics of Cyberspace, Cybersecurity, key definitions, and terminologies. Through this episode, our four Agents of Change talk about what cyberspace is. What are the challenges associated with it? And how does cyberspace impact everyone, particularly vulnerable groups?

#bestngoforchildreninindia #sponsorachildseducation #sponsoreducationforachild #sponsorachild #donateforgirlchildeducation

[planindiango]

Ria (name changed) is a true changemaker. Once a program participant, she now leads the way, educating young girls about their changing bodies a topic that has always been a taboo subject. Until everyone can, we can. Until a lack of knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights exists for young girls in India, we can raise awareness, educate, and provide hygiene kits By supporting us, you empower girls like Ria to be informed and healthy. Join us in raising awareness, providing education, and distributing hygiene kits. Click the link to get started! -

https://www.planindia.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/because-i-am-a-girl-2/

#girlseducation #EndChildMarriage #PlanIndia #sponsorachild #sponsorachildeducationinindia #donateforgirlchildeducation

[planindiango]

Girl Education Ngo India - Plan India

Girls from disadvantaged communities in India lack opportunities. Help them flourish by supporting "Because I Am A Girl" initiative. Your donation empowers girls in education, health, livelihood, and safety and tackles negative gender norms for lasting impact. Donate & make a difference!

#sponsorachild #sponsorachildeducationinindia #donatetocharityindia #donateforindianpoorchildren #nutritionsupportprogramme #charityfoundationinindia #onlinecharityinindia #donateforgirlchildeducation #ngoforchildeducation

[planindiango]

Child marriage isn't ceremony, it's a violation of rights with lasting consequences. At Plan India, we're actively contributing to change by empowering communities, and providing support to girls at risk. Join us in our mission to ensure every child has the right to a safe and fulfilling future. https://www.planindia.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/because-i-am-a-girl-2/

#sponsorachild #sponsorachildeducationinindia #nutritionsupportprogramme #ngoforchildeducation #donateforgirlchildeducation #onlinecharityinindia #donateforindianpoorchildren

[planindiango]

Z Zurich Foundation has partnered with Plan India to bring about lasting change in the lives of 28800 girls of Rajasthan and Jharkhand with accelerated learning centered called BALIKA SHIVIRS. Z Zurich Foundation grants will ensure 3600 out-of-school girls of the age group of 13-18 years complete their Secondary or senior secondary school education through NIOS board. The program will also build the capacities of 3600 young women (19-24 years) in vocational training. Out-of-school girls who have passed grade X are selected and enrolled in NIOS for better livelihood opportunities. Balika Shivir alumni will form a network of girls – to influence additional 21600 girls. This is a unique model where girls will get empowered and then they empower their peers and eventually change the overall situation of girls in the 4 project districts.

#DonatetoSponsoraChild #donateforgirlchildeducation #sponsorachildeducationinindia #charityfoundationinindia #donateforindianpoorchildren

[planindiango]

Sponsor a Child Education - Planindia

Embarking on a journey of empowerment, Plan India engaged over 1100 school-going students in story-telling sessions across Delhi's disadvantaged communities. With a focus on integrating story-telling-based pedagogy into classroom transactions, these sessions aimed at fostering self-confidence, overcoming inner fears, and embracing self-love. Guided by the principles of the National Education Policy 2020, each story was carefully selected to spotlight female empowerment and equality. Through interactive activities, students discovered their strengths and pledged to nurture them with a growth mindset. Additionally, the sessions provided a much-needed respite from exam stress, offering a holistic approach to education. Join us in championing this initiative and supporting the holistic development of our future leaders! Support our cause and make a difference today.

Donate now - https://www.planindia.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/because-i-am-a-girl-2/

#sponsorachild #donateforgirlchildeducation #nutritionsupportprogramme #ngoforchildeducation #donateforindianpoorchildren #sponsorachildeducationinindia #donationforpoorchild #charityfoundationinindia #donatemoneytopoorinindia #donatetocharityindia

[planindiango]

Nurturing a Future – Feminine Leadership

In 2011, when I planned to change sectors and move from being a Senior HR Advisor managinga large team at a thriving and booming IT company, to be the Manager HR at a relatively lesser known non-profit organisation at New Delhi, my well-wishers and peers advised me against the move.

“You will stagnate in a dirty slum or remote village – carrying the quintessential “jhola” and wearing “hawai chappal” said a well- meaning friend trying to dissuade me. Another one deplored the fact that my salary will fall below the “poverty line” and move south in comparison to my juniors, who will soon overtake me in the corporate rat-race and earn big bucks and fancy titles. Despite the advice, I persevered, convinced of my conviction to be part of the social development space and serve the community in my own small way.

What egged me on, were my daily encounters with the street kids on the way to the office – the despair one saw in their eyes…of myriad dreams that remained unfulfilled…the hopelessness of their situations and knowing fully well that I may not be able to change anything while sitting in my plush office in a global corporate.

Fast forward to today – 2022 – As the Director of Human Resource, organizational development and operations for Plan India, I have the opportunity to be a part of the country management team, which sets the course for our deeply impactful programs that work at the grassroots across rural and urban communities, influence and change the lives of millions of young children especially girls in the most marginalized communities across India. The road was not smooth, in fact, it was riddled with potholes and speed breakers – challenges included raising funding, getting the best talent, and acquiring technology among others. The key motivation was the cause our organisation Plan India worked for – vulnerable children and young girls, and that helped me soldier on the chosen path and the fact that I could see my contributions were able to bring cheer and smiles to young lives.

“I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT IF YOU’RE IN A POSITION OF POWER, PRIVILEGE AND INFLUENCE, YOU CAN OPEN DOORS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN HISTORICALLY LEFT BEHIND, IN FACT YOU HAVE A MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TO DO THAT…”

Even in this day and age, the underprivileged still need men in power or more advantaged women, to vouch for their legitimacy to be at the table and not be dismissed or ignored just for being of a particular gender or lower caste, community or just being poor.

The times are changing rapidly and this is one urgent norm that needs to change soon. We need to shift the paradigm and create a more egalitarian society, where one can find a place at the table and rise to leadership rank purely based on merit and performance. To be able to access good education, health care and nutrition live safely and develop one’s agency to take decisions of life and build a better future.

Plan India (India Chapter) has been championing this cause for past many years now. Our long-running advocacy on “Because I am a Girl” have set the tone and campaign on “Girls Get Equal” have brought many like-minded institutions, embassies, government organizations and corporate citizens together to power the popular Girls Takeovers on the occasion of “International Day of the Girl” celebrated on October 11th each year.

While the takeovers seem to be symbolic, of young girls entering public spaces and taking on positions of power associated with leadership for a day, like for instance – District magistrates, Chief Minister’s office, CEO’s of Corporates or Ambassadors of different countries – they shatter many barriers are social or psycho-social that prevent the girls from visualizing their roles outside those of a home-maker in their family or a mother and a wife. We now regularly hear stories of young women, who have after this experience, gone on to build a stronger future, they convinced their families to let them hold jobs or be entrepreneurs or build community self-help groups of like-minded youth and really thrive. They are the real change makers, who are the beacons and models for others around them, to see the change and be emulated.

“WHAT ONE NEEDS AS A LEADER IS OPTIMISM AND POWER TO DREAM OF A BETTER TOMORROW… TRUST IN SELF AND IN ONE’S TEAM CAN BRING OUT THEIR VERY BEST”

Today Anjali a young change maker took over my role for a day.  It’s self-actualizing to see things coming full circle for me – contributing to the growth of girls as youth leaders, who are seizing opportunities to shape the conversations, as they should be and bring about a transformative change in the society we live in.

It is well-known that social empowerment is a slow and gradual process of change, but one that is slowly gaining ground and spreading beyond to influence others through the power of social media. Our girls are becoming champions of change – budding leaders who are confident and ready to take on the world.

#sponsorachild #ngoforchildeducation #sponsorachildeducationinindia #charityfoundationinindia #nutritionsupportprogramme #donateforgirlchildeducation

[planindiango]

We believe that all children, particularly girls from poor and disadvantaged families, access and complete education from pre-primary to secondary levels, thus realising their right to inclusive and quality education. However the realities reflect inequitable access to Early Childhood Education; poor learning outcomes in early grades which leads to learning deficits; discriminative social norms, gender-stereotyped curriculum and lack of an inclusive, protective environment within the schools.

#donateforgirlchildeducation #girlchildeducationdonation #girleducationngoindia #ngoforgirlchildeducationdelhiindia

[planindiango]

The Sarthak project was implemented with a dual approach of addressing prevention and response for children who have experienced sexual violence, recognizing that both are essential for impact and change. The three-year project in Mumbai & Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) is working with schools and communities to increase awareness of Gender Based violence and sexual violence, as well as understanding of referral and response services, and with key stakeholders to build a child-friendly approach to prevention and response. It also works closely with child survivors to offer them a holistic range of support services, including health, psychosocial support, legal and social care.

#girleducationngoindia #ngoforgirls #nutritionsupportprogramme #genderinequalitycasestudyindia #donateforindianpoorchildren #donationforpoorchild #donateforgirlchildeducation #adoptaschoolindia #girlchildeducationdonation #ngoprogrammingforchildrenindia #bestngoforchildreninindia

[planindiango]

sainas perseverance helped her reclaim her life

Saina is a confident young lady who makes a living as a beautician. She has hopes of setting up her own beauty parlour in the future. Her ambitions about the future were never so assured in the past though.

“I think I was 3 or 4 years old when I heard the first comments from a relative, ironically also a female. She was lamenting that my mother had three daughters and that was such a huge burden. My poor mother was bending her head as if it was her fault,” says Saina, who has two sisters and two brothers. Her father, a painter, barely earned enough to feed his family of seven and her mother was constantly on her feet to ensure some semblance of order in their severely underprivileged life.

“I’ve seen my mother drinking water because there was nothing left for her after feeding us. I would ask her why she didn’t eat along with us and she would say she wasn’t hungry or at times that she had an upset stomach. At that age, I believed her. As I grew up, I understood the real reason. After that, whenever she said she wasn’t hungry, my sisters and I would also say we weren’t hungry. We wouldn’t eat until she joined us.”

Life went on as it did in the household. As Saina and her sisters grew, other issues started to arise. “Everybody would scare my mother saying that good looking girls needed to be kept in control or they would bring disgrace to the family. While my brothers passed their exams with great difficulty, we scored high marks and passed our school final exams with a good percentage. We would help our mother with household chores and then study. Whereas our brothers just had to focus on their studies. Yet, we girls were not allowed to go to college after we completed Class XII. My younger sisters were still in school and I was getting restless. I was itching to do something constructive. I couldn’t pressurise my parents to send me to college because I knew the financial situation. But I wanted to do something, find some way to make my life better by doing something productive with my free time. That’s when the Saksham mobilisation team knocked on our door. When I heard what they had to say, it felt like God had answered my prayers. They convinced my parents that they should let me pursue what I wanted. It was an easy decision for them to make in the end since it was free and included a class that was exclusively for girls, including finding employment in a company that was for women.”

Life dramatically changed for Saina when she enrolled in the project in October 2017 for the beautician’s course. “I was timid to begin with. I would barely raise my head leave alone look into the eyes of people I spoke to. But Saksham brought me out of my shell. Gradually, I opened up as I began following their instructions and advice. I put my heart and mind into the course and passed with good marks because I knew this was my chance to build my life.” Saina now works as a beautician and earns INR 10,000 a month. “My mother was my only support and now she’s extremely proud of me. I want to do well in my career and give everything to my parents and my sisters that I never had. I’m focussed on my work and achieving everything I dreamt of. During my training, I also learned to manage my time and money. It gave me a lot of clarity. I see myself owning a successful beauty parlour in the future. Until then, I told my parents I am not interested in marriage. I reclaimed my life thanks to the Saksham programme. Life seems normal now. I feel lighter and more in control of my circumstances. Now, I feel good about being a girl. I have no words to express my gratitude.”

#donateforgirlchildeducation #donationforpoorchild #donateforindianpoorchildren #planontheboardmember

[planindiango]

Plan India proudly hosted "Empowerment Unveiled - Celebrating Menstrual Health Education" at IHC, New Delhi! Joined by 100+ dynamic young peer educators, we were inspired by their stories of courage—tackling stigmas and advocating menstrual health. Over 3 impactful years, our 9500+ trained educators reached 0.70 million individuals and families, promoting safe, dignified menstrual hygiene practices. Applauding their unwavering dedication to empowerment!

#girleducationngoindia #girlchildeducationdonation #donateforgirlchildeducation

[planindiango]

The YHP aims to positively impact the health of adolescents in marginalized communities worldwide through research, advocacy and on-the-ground programs that are focused on the prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

#nutritionsupportprogramme #donateforindianpoorchildren #donationforpoorchild #donateforgirlchildeducation

[planindiango]

I Want to Create Child Marriage Free Villages

In India’s southern state of Telangana, close to 27 per cent of girls get married between the ages of 15 and 19. A vast majority of these marriages take place in rural areas, predominantly among the most socially and economically disadvantaged communities.

This situation is all too familiar to 18-year-old Ragini* who has seen many teenage girls in her area being forced into child and early marriage by their parents. Ragini, however, is determined that she won’t keep quiet and will do something about it.

My father abandoned me soon after I was born. He wanted a boy. He didn’t want to take up the responsibility of raising a girl child. Barely able to make ends meet, he couldn’t face the prospect of any more hardship to raise money for my dowry in the future. He left my mother and I was brought up by her and my grandmother.

My birth was a result of arranged marriage between my parents. My mother was barely 18. She didn’t have any say in her own marriage that so dramatically changed her life.

I have grown up witnessing the extreme suffering my mother has endured in raising me all by herself – particularly in a society that places even less value on a woman abandoned by her husband. She works very hard as a manual labourer to earn just about enough for us to survive.

Her daily struggles serve as a strong reminder to me as to why girls should never be forced into marriage and why they must be given an education to stand on their own two feet.

When I was in class 8, I became aware that my friend and classmate was getting married – her parents arranged it for her. I was shocked and deeply upset for her. I reported the matter to my teachers who met with the girl’s parents but to no avail. The parents were adamant and strongly resisted anyone interfering into their private affair.

My teachers backed off, but I wasn’t prepared to let this injustice happen to my friend who was just a child. I mobilised about 10 girls in my class and reported the matter to the local authorities. With their intervention the child marriage was stopped. It made me realise that if girls raise their voice, things can change.

A year ago, I became part of Plan India Girls Advocacy Alliance project that’s working to end child marriage in my district and is empowering girls to realise their rights.

Being part of a movement that involves many other girls like me has boosted my confidence and strengthened my resolve to make a difference. I have learnt how I can advocate for girls’ rights, mobilise girls to stand up for themselves and influence those who can make things better for them.

With the knowledge and skills I have gained, I have now taken on the challenge to make as many villages child marriage free as possible. I speak to religious and community leaders, hold meetings with local government officials and regularly motivate girls and their parents to put an end to child marriage. Only when the society starts valuing girls equally to boys, real change will happen.

It’s not easy to convince people to change their mindset. It takes a lot of effort. I am used to facing resistance from parents and community elders, but I don’t shy away from speaking my mind. If necessary, I remind them it’s illegal to get their daughters married off if they are under 18.

On the other hand, I tell girls about the help they can access if they are ever in that situation. They can call the helpline or even go the police. I strongly feel that people responsible for child marriage must not go unpunished. Slowly, the change is happening. It will take time, and I am not expecting miracles overnight.

I have completed my A levels and want to pursue a degree in commerce. I want to be a civil servant and pull myself and my mother out of poverty. Recently, my father made contact with us and visits us occasionally. Despite the extreme challenges of the past, I want to keep looking ahead.

Girls tell me that they feel inspired by me and think of me as a leader. I do feel proud of myself that despite all my personal struggles I never feel hopeless and beaten. On the contrary, I feel there is so much more I can achieve.

https://www.planindia.org/case-study/i-want-to-create-child-marriage-free-villages/

#nutritionsupportprogramme #planontheboardmember #genderinequalitycasestudyindia #donateforindianpoorchildren #donateforgirlchildeducation