Since 1992, Shaishav has been committed to realising the basic rights of children, particularly the underprivileged. Through Balsena we support children's holistic development by organising a wide range of educational programmes, providing a platform for children's issues, and encouraging children to be protagonists for their rights. Children's participation is ingrained in everything we do, and all programmes are designed to empower and motivate children to become change makers in society.
Despite having one of the world's fastest growing economies, India is struggling to cope with growing inequality and poverty. Children, as one of the least empowered groups, are often the ones who suffer the consequences of these realities the most. Lack of education, and the resulting child labour and exploitation affect millions of children across the country. We estimate that over 20,000 children are out of school in Bhavnagar. This project will directly benefit thousands of these children.
Balsena, literally "children's force", enables children to achieve their full potential. We provide a wide range of educational and life skills activities, run weekly leadership camps and training workshops, and various study tours. We operate a Savings Bank, in which 1300 children have saved over $16,000. Every year we hold an enrolment drive and have now enrolled over 11,000 children into school. Finally, we provide adolescent girls with education on the changes they experience during puberty.
Children will become aware of their rights, and of the importance of education. As change makers, they will work to solve many of the issues in their communities, and become voices for change on national and international levels. Girls will understand the changes they experience during puberty, and will begin to challenge many of the ingrained attitudes towards girls and women. This work will directly benefit 2,500 Balsena members and 7,500 non-members, while 18,000 more will benefit indirectly.
"Shaishav is like water in a desert to those children who are denied the opportunity to develop. Children shape the future of society, and through Shaishav they are empowered to do so."
- Dipak Baraiya, 17 year old Balsena member
Total Funding Received to Date: £2,881
Remaining Goal to be Funded: £7,153
Total Funding Goal: £10,034
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
Executive Director
Bhavnagar,
Gujarat
India
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