Education is undeniably one of the most important human rights, Although every child deserves a good education, this is especially true for girl children. Because it impacts families and also society. But unfortunately, according to Jan 2020, Times of India report- (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/40-of-girls-aged-15-18-not-attending-school-report/articleshow/73598999.cms)
Ten years after the Right to Education (RTE) Act came into being, nearly 40% of adolescent girls in the age group of 15-18 years are not attending school while 30% of girls from the poorest families have never set foot in a classroom. Let’s do something to change this situation.
A Girl’s Education Can Change Everything
Education can empower a girl in a true sense. She can take important decisions of her life and gives importance to educating her own children. Perhaps that’s why, we say-, “if you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a family and a nation.” This statement is 100 percent true. If a girl is educated, she understands the significance of education and she is well intended to educate everyone in her family.
Therefore, we should do whatever it takes to ensure that every girl child has a chance to grow up educated and empowered. This will enable her to create a bright future for herself. With the help of social service organizations, schools, and religious organizations, steps can be taken to educate girls who may not otherwise have the chance to study. Small support from everyone can change the course of girls’ lives, their children’s lives, and the future of their families.
A good education for girls ensures-
1. Employment for Women
If a girl completes her education and reaches the higher education level, it will naturally boost her job prospects and open up a range of opportunities.
2. Healthy Children
A 58-country study by UNESCO showed that universal primary education for girls would reduce child mortality by 15 percent.
Going to school means the girls have better awareness regarding the benefits of keeping good health. Moreover, the effect of girls’ education is better than the effect of any health intervention as it leads to healthier and better-educated children.
3. No Child Marriage
Child marriage not only restrains girls’ education but also puts girls at a higher risk of health-related complications. Education for girls could be a credible strategy to prevent child marriages.
4. Empowered Women
It is a well-known fact that educated girls and women are better able to make decisions and have choices. They’re able to make critical decisions about running their homes and choosing a career.
5. Aware Women
An educated girl is well aware of her duties and rights. If needs arise, such women raise their voice without any fear. They may educate other women also on gender equality, various laws and policies.
In fact, the significance of educating girl children is manifold and it cannot be explained in a few words.
Vishwa Jagriti Mission’s Contribution in Girl Child Education
Gyandeep School, Faridabad
Running under the aegis of Vishwa Jagriti Mission (VJM), Gyandeep School, Faridabad, is a humble effort to lay a path to education & vocational training for girl children. Here, students from slum areas are getting a quality education and also the opportunity to develop their skills. The school-
- Supports students from families below the poverty line, especially children from slum areas
- Empowers girl children through value education
- Gives free vocational training to students under various skill development programs.
Devdoot Bal Ashram
In Surat (Gujarat) and Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), VJM is successfully running ‘Devdoot Bal Ashram’ that ensures care and comfort for vulnerable children of the society. Here, they get free housing, food, and education. Children from this Ashram are excelling in the fields of education and sports.
Schools in Jharkhand’s violence-prone Region
Vishwa Jagriti Mission has established two schools in the Naxalite areas of Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Chhattisgarh namely Rukka and Khunti. Presently, the school in the Rukka area of Jharkhand has 600 students in it and the school in the Khunti district of Jharkhand has 200 students enrolled in it. The students are getting free education and food in these schools along with other support.
More such schools should be established in every part of the country. And society must back any institution that is working towards offering a good education to girl children.
