Child Education Programme |
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Education – The Right to Learn“Educate a man, you educate one person, educate a woman, you educate a complete family.” Reports estimate that more than 50 percent of girls in India fail to enroll in school and those who do are likely to drop out by the age of 12. As in a series of other aspects, the girl child is also discriminated against extensively in the right to education, even basic at times.Lack of education denies the girl child, the knowledge and skills needed to advance their status. Education enables the child to realize her full potential, to think, question and judge independently; to be a wise decision-maker, develop civic sense and learn to respect, love his fellow human beings and to be a good citizen. Figures also report that there is discrimination even in the field of higher education. At least a 40% of girls are not allowed to pursue higher studies, due to the conservative familial ideologies. In 1994, the Government of India passed a universal female education bill that offers parents incentives for access and punishment for keeping a girl out of school. In another important initiative, the government also announced free and reduced cost education for girls. The program has been designed with the aim to offer free education at high school level to all girls of single child families. The offer also includes provisions for fellowships of US$ 45 per month for those undertaking post-graduate studies. Female Foeticide“Invest only Rs. 600 now and save your precious Rs. 50,000 later…”The 2001 Census conducted by Government of India, showed a sharp decline in the child sex ratio in 80% districts of India.India, in all its glory of being an IT superpower and one of the fastest developing countries, tragically represents the lowest child sex ratio in the world. Systematic gender discrimination in India is reported to have claimed up to a whopping 50 million female lives. The Census Report of 2001 reveals a highly skewed child sex ratio (0-6 year-olds), that fell from 945 females per 1,000 males in 1991 to an all-time low of 927 in 2001. The ratio even dropped further to 800:1,000 in some specific parts of the country. Additional data from the India’s birth and death registration service indicates that the figures have further fallen to fewer than 900 females per 1,000 men over the last few years.
Team members conduct surveys and PRA in various districts and on the basis about nearly 250 children have been identified. Out the 250 screening for 200 girl children are finalised and a list has been prepared. Whenever PACE receives the donation the child parents are contacted and the amount in distributed either in cash or kind in a public meeting/gathering. Pictures and photographs are taken as proof of the transaction. The team then later visits the girl child and monitors the progress and the final report is sent to donor agency. Even after six months the child is monitored till one year. In some cases the grant amount is disbursed in instalments to ensure the grant reaches the girl child and is spend in her food, clothing and studies. In some cases the girl child studies in a hostel which is run by PACE for those children who have lost their parents or it is difficult for child to stay with their parent or in laws. The girl child remains in the hostel which is run by PACE and not supported by any donor agency.
Appeal: Please support the education of the girl child generously and save one life and secure the future of a child which is incomplete without your valuable support. PACE. |
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