Radha, Gogunda
When I was young, my father passed away, and my mother was pregnant. So our financial situation was never good. I never knew when I would have to stop studying.
At Vikalp Sansthan, we believe that education is a powerful force for transformation, unlocking opportunities, breaking down barriers, and nurturing a generation of confident, educated, and empowered adolescents and young women. Our Education for Empowerment program is dedicated to ensuring that every girl has the tools, support, and opportunities she needs to shape her future, prevent child, early, and forced marriages (CEFM), and voice for her rights.
A key focus of our program is identifying children at risk of dropping out and working closely with them and their families to support re-enrollment. We actively promote the importance of education among girls, boys, and young married women (YMWs) through village meetings and training sessions, fostering a culture that values learning.
For those unable to attend regular school, we facilitate alternative education by enrolling them in the Rajasthan Open School System (RSOS) and providing academic support through dedicated learning centers. We also provide scholarships for young women who demonstrate academic potential and leadership in advancing girls’ rights, supporting them in completing their education and pursuing vocational training.
Vikalp is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive education system, ensuring that every girl, regardless of the challenges she faces, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Through our Education for Empowerment program, we are breaking cycles of discrimination and enabling girls to build brighter, independent futures.
When I was young, my father passed away, and my mother was pregnant. So our financial situation was never good. I never knew when I would have to stop studying.
When I first started teaching there were about 40 students and .it was hard to teach them all. I thought maybe they thought it was too difficult, but then they all came back the next day asking me to teach again, they said we want to learn and play, and they even asked for homework! Now there are 50 kids in my learning center.
My life was limited to a strict routine of school and home, with no freedom to explore beyond that. I was burdened with household chores and experienced unequal treatment simply because I was a girl. In my family, girls were not allowed to speak up or make decisions.
I come from a financially struggling family, and my life has been filled with challenges from a young age. In 2021, after losing my mother, I became the primary caregiver for my infant sibling.