PARDHI EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The Pardhis are a tribe who have been largely attributed with the decline in India’s tiger population. The extinction of tigers at the Panna Tiger Reserve caused the forest department to initiate a dialogue with the community and today, close to 40-50 families have chosen to settle in a land outside the reserve. 

To wean the younger generation away from hunting, which was their primary occupation, the forest department in compliance with the Sarva Shikha Abhiyaan has built a boys and a girls hostel. These hostels have played a major role in the empowerment of the younger generation, however, it is not enough, since the hostel premises are available to students only up to standard 8th according to government regulations. This setback can cause students to drop out due to their hesitation to join other hostels/institutions owing to the stigma and lack of acceptance of this community of this society.

Thus, the shortfall of resources coupled with the tribe’s history puts at risk the future of students who are in the danger of resorting to a nomadic lifestyle and furthermore hunting. In order to avoid this situation from arising, we’re working closely with this community to educate the children and to provide alternate livelihoods. 

Action

By providing the support to these promising students to continue their education we are giving them their rightful chance to live a dignified life in mainstream society, explore career options and wean them off a nomadic lifestyle. 

Our promising students need the necessary support for successful completion of their studies. The below mentioned activities are undertaken under this programme:

1. Providing extra remedial / tuition teachers to both the Pardhi hostels (boys & girls). 
2. Some students are given private coaching.
3. Training & curriculum for primary teachers for teaching methods for the Pardhi students.
4. Financial support for all the students until post graduation which includes, institution fees, accommodation, food, travel etc.
5. Uniform, clothes, books, bags, shoes, winter jackets, raincoats and other stationery items for the students.
6. Supplementary food for students.
7. Transport and equipment support for engaging in sports and other physical activities
8. Skill Development for every student
9. Counseling and mentoring from time-to-time for personality development and a successful career.
10. Vocational training

Impact 

5 of the students who have passed out of the hostels are now graduates- the 3 girls graduated in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) while the 2 boys graduated in B.Sc. Agriculture. These students are the first line of Pardhi graduates and their example has encouraged other students to continue pursuing their education. Our aim is to empower more and more students to continue pursuing their education by providing them with the appropriate support and opportunities for growth.

We wish to support the education of at least 14 Pardhi students through this initiative. The amount raised will be used not only for the educational expenses of the student, but will also include their medical expenses, nutrition, accommodation and extra curricular activities. 

You can be a part of this change and contribute  towards the upliftment of these students and help them achieve their goals and dream bigger, by donating today.