Streeksha = Stree (Women) + Shiksha (Education) Our Mission: Educate a woman and you educate a nation
How can you help? By sponsoring education (in part or full) of one or more of our women scholars. The annual cost for supporting one scholar at Delhi University or any other recognised University is INR 2,00,000 (£2,000).
Statistics -Only 28 % of women in rural areas get more than 10 years of education. -26 % of girls in India are married between the ages of 15-19. -Only 18.6 % of women are part of India’s labour force and only 2 % of women have received any formal vocation education making it difficult for women to gain employable skills and as a result jobs that pay sufficiently well and help them become financially independent.
Our Solution: Streeksha believes that financial independence is key to empowering women.
The main aim of the project is to provide young women from rural India an opportunity to get a college/professional/vocational education. This will then pave the way to financial independence. This will help overcome challenges such as marriage without consent, domestic and other forms of violence and harassment that they are often unable to escape because of lack of financial independence.
How does it work? The bursaries will cover the entire cost for higher education and the project provides non-financial support such as counselling of families, coaching on course and career options as well as other skills based training (such as English-language skills) required for a successful completion of higher education degree .
The project currently operates these bursaries for young women in rural areas of Alwar district of Rajasthan, a state that has historically one of the lowest levels of literacy and education for women in India. The scholars are selected through a partnership with the government-run Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Khairthal town of Alwar district. This government run boarding school serves rural, marginalised communities across the country and thus puts together an annual pool of meritorious students that require the kind of support the project offers.
The project is now also expanding to UP and Bihar, where education statistics for women have always been low too.
Since the beginning in 2016 The Streeksha project has so far made nine grants. Three of the scholars have completed their undergraduate programmes, one graduate is pursuing her post graduation and five are currently enrolled at Delhi University in undergraduate programmes.
How is Small Steps Charity involved- Small-Steps Charity is aiming to sponsor three students over the next three years with our grant of £18,000 over 3 years ( Bursary + living expenses + stipend).
We want to do this and more with your help! You can pledge/ donate to sponsor the entire amount for the year or part of the amount for these well deserving students by clicking on the tab above.
Our Scholars - 2020
1)Name: Kripa DeviVillage: Ronija Jaat, Alwar. Rajasthan Father: Labourer, Mother: Housewife BA Geography from Delhi University
Kripa is from an obscure village, Ronija Jat , 50km from Alwar. Kripa’s parents are labourers and are barely able to make ends meet for their family. Kripa has always dreamt of joining hte Indian Police Force and has worked hard to educate herself. Through this scholarship, she will be able to pursue her graduation in Delhi and prepare for the Indian Civil Services Exams in a hope to achieve her goal.
2)Name: Anusuya Yadav Town: Village Basai Birthal, Alwar, Rajasthan
Father: Farmer; Mother: Homemaker BA Geography from Delhi University
Anusuya is from Basai Birthal, another small hamlet which is equally distant from any town or city. Anusuya comes from a farming background and was nearly married off at the age of 18 years following immense pressure from her relatives. She is a strong girl and dreams of becoming an IAS officer. It took several days of talks and convincing by the Trust volunteers which finally led to her parents agreeing to her further education. Since she comes from a relatively humble background, this would not have been possible financially. Anusuya is finally on her much awaited journey towards a better future.