MINORITY EDUCATION FOR GROWTH AND ADVANCEMENT – SKILLS FOR YOUTH (MEGA-SkY). Supported by EDC, Delhi.
Background
MEGA-SkY began in June 2010 and is funded by USAID, EDC-Delhi for activities in Varanasi at Arajiline block. The MEGA component takes place within the context of growing efforts to provide Muslim children with access to quality education environments in schools and madarsa. Widespread poverty, language barriers, and social discrimination prevent many poor Muslim children from enrolling in formal schools or lead to their early dropout.
Objectives
- Improve the quality of formal education offered in informal schools teaching children of disadvantaged minority communities.
- Create a favorable environment for minority children, especially girls, in regular schools to complete their schooling with dignity.
- Offer access to quality education to minority children through alternative non-formal options.
- Link education to livelihood opportunities through skills training and pre-vocational interventions.
- Create an environment of collaboration among organizations working in minority education and establish linkages with government schemes.
Major Activities
Enrolment of Muslim children: Up to now, 10 madarsa covered; 389 children (175 boys and 214 girls) newly enrolled for the first time, 300 children getting support through coaching centres, and 90 children of Vth standard receiving dropout-prevention support through transition preparedness. In total, 1487 children (781 girls & 706 boys) are benefiting through 10 madarsa with MEGA support.
Dropout prevention through transition preparedness: The project now covers 10 primary schools, providing extra coaching for Vth-standard children in 10 villages under the concept “Muhim Qamayabi Ki” — covering 201 children of Vth standard.
Formation of Community Support Groups (CSG): Each group has 12 to 15 members and meets once a month to support basic education, child rights, and livelihood opportunities.
Mission Campaign to Success (Muhim Qamayabi Ki): Extra tutorial support in English, Math, and Science for weak and targeted children in 10 villages — benefiting 291 children (178 girls & 113 boys).
Establishment of Tarakki Centres: 5 Tarakki centres conducted successfully to provide formal education to never-school-going, dropout, and out-of-school youth.
Review, Planning & Capacity Building
Monthly staff meetings, quarterly review and planning meetings at each Tarakki centre with volunteers, management committees, and community members. Director Dr. Rajnikant reviewed activities and gave valuable input each quarter. EDC organized a two-day exposure visit at Bodhshala, Jaipur for 10 participants.