To educate rural adolescent girls from the Thardesert in Rajasthan, one of the most deprived regions of the world from families either on or below the poverty line irrespective of castes.
Mission Statement of the Veerni Balika Project
The Veerni Balika Project, wants continue to provide to 20 girls from the rural areas of Jodhpur district, who are at least 10 years old and that have already passed the 5 grade at school, the possibility to continue their study in a safe and well organized environment, up to the 12 grade.
From 2019, the program has been providing a boarding school, where the girls live during the whole year, weekends included. Studying and living together at school, as well as the Veerni Balika is a good opportunity for their personal development. Through classes and workshops the girls are encouraged to speak their mind, to discuss their personal and family relationship issues and to find solutions.
The 20 girls have educated on various topics of general education including women’s rights, health, and nutrition. It is our intention to collaborate with a doctor and full time nurse, who have been monitoring girls’ health situation.
The overarching goal of the Veerni Balika Project is to provide underprivileged girls with the educational, vocational and social skills to help them to become confident and, over the years, financially supportive members within their families and community.
For Veerni, empowerment means enabling women to recognize the potential, possibilities and alternatives that exist in their lives and giving them the resources with which they can pursue their goals. To this end, we are already running one program called the Veerni Institute on the same line with 90 girls, who are receiving education with the Veerni Project.
There are 20 girls enrolled at The Veerni Balika Program. The girls range in age from the 6 to the 12 academic grades. They represent a wide spectrum of caste and social groups, and they come from many villages in the area surrounding Jodhpur. While living at the Veerni Balika they study in one of two fine local private school, In addition, they attend art and sports programs and receive computer training. Several of our graduates attend college.
The Veerni Project provides the girls with a safe and supportive living environment while they are studying. They are provided with nutritiousfood; guidance with their studies, health care, and a loving and encouraging social environment. They celebrate together personal milestones and national holidays, and the girls learn from each other and from the staff the value of openness to people of many different backgrounds. Our aim is to help them become educated, confident, and strong young women equipped for the changing world they will soon confront.