India
Allahabad Vocational Training Centre
Each year, the centre in Allahabad teaches 250 girls these valuable skills, along with basic literacy and essential healthcare.
In the patriarchal state of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in its rural areas, girls and women face significant inequalities. By the age of 10-12, many girls are no longer allowed to attend school, forced instead to work at home or on farms until they are married. They often become the sole wage earners, while their husbands remain unemployed. Violence against women is also prevalent, and harmful gender norms deprioritize their rights, including access to safe, quality health services.
This project, in partnership with ACTS, operates in two locations: Neva Village and the Gohri group of villages, which are more traditionally rural and situated approximately 7 kilometers from Allahabad. Together, these areas are home to around 20,000 people. The initiative focuses on empowering women through education and vocational training to help eradicate poverty by providing the skills needed to improve their lives.
Health education is a cornerstone of this work. The project addresses critical topics such as sexual health, with a focus on STDs, HIV prevention, family planning, and mental health. Through community outreach and educational sessions, girls are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and advocate for their rights.
Education is central to this mission. Girls aged 9-18 from historically disadvantaged communities attend the Navjeevan Mahila Shiksha Vikas Centres, where they break free from traditional roles and complete their education up to at least class 8. Some girls continue their studies, earning certificates that enhance their job prospects.
The vocational training program in Phulwariya Village offers girls aged 9-20 the opportunity to learn tailoring and stitching. Over three years, they advance from basic skills to garment making. As they gain proficiency, they join the "Earn While You Learn" scheme, receiving a stipend while honing their craft. Each year, the centre in Allahabad teaches 250 girls these valuable skills, along with basic literacy and essential health care.
Support for this project helps break down the cultural and economic barriers faced by girls and women in Uttar Pradesh. The goal is to raise NZ$25,000 per annum to continue these vital initiatives.
This project, in partnership with ACTS, operates in two locations: Neva Village and the Gohri group of villages, which are more traditionally rural and situated approximately 7 kilometers from Allahabad. Together, these areas are home to around 20,000 people. The initiative focuses on empowering women through education and vocational training to help eradicate poverty by providing the skills needed to improve their lives.
Health education is a cornerstone of this work. The project addresses critical topics such as sexual health, with a focus on STDs, HIV prevention, family planning, and mental health. Through community outreach and educational sessions, girls are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and advocate for their rights.
Education is central to this mission. Girls aged 9-18 from historically disadvantaged communities attend the Navjeevan Mahila Shiksha Vikas Centres, where they break free from traditional roles and complete their education up to at least class 8. Some girls continue their studies, earning certificates that enhance their job prospects.
The vocational training program in Phulwariya Village offers girls aged 9-20 the opportunity to learn tailoring and stitching. Over three years, they advance from basic skills to garment making. As they gain proficiency, they join the "Earn While You Learn" scheme, receiving a stipend while honing their craft. Each year, the centre in Allahabad teaches 250 girls these valuable skills, along with basic literacy and essential health care.
Support for this project helps break down the cultural and economic barriers faced by girls and women in Uttar Pradesh. The goal is to raise NZ$25,000 per annum to continue these vital initiatives.
