In collaboration with the Guru Krupa Foundation (GKF) and Muni Seva Ashram (MSA), C2C has embarked on a transformative journey to empower vulnerable girls in the Vadodara region.
Since 2020, GKF has been a steadfast supporter of C2C, funding their TechLab, English and Vedic Math programs at the MSA, providing education and STEM opportunities to more than 100 underprivileged children. In addition, C2C also received support from GKF to provide Covid-19 relief in 2020. The girls at MSA, hailing from agricultural and tribal backgrounds, face the unique challenges of growing up as girls in Gujarat while also grappling with the impacts of climate change. Despite these adversities, significant progress is being made in equipping these girls with the tools they need to thrive.
Building Resilience Amidst Challenges
The Vadodara region has experienced an unusual increase in rainfall, leading to frequent electrical outages. In response, C2C has implemented innovative solutions. Whenever electricity is restored, the girls are promptly directed to the computer labs to maximize their time on the PCs. Additionally, tutors have conducted classes via smartphones during unconventional hours to cover essential theoretical topics from the curriculum.
Despite these challenges, remarkable academic progress has been made over the past year, as reflected in the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) results. Let's explore these results and see how C2C's programs in Computer Science, English, and Math are transforming the lives of these young girls.
ASER Results: A Testament to Transformation
In Gujarat, particularly where MSA is located, the educational landscape reveals significant disparities according to ASER data:
Computer Education:
Shockingly, 38.6% of schools in the state lack a computer lab entirely. In contrast, with support from GKF and C2C, MSA boasts a fully equipped computer lab with modern facilities, including high-speed broadband and WIFI.
English Proficiency:
The ASER report reveals a stark reality - only 52.4% of Grade VIII students across Gujarat can read simple English sentences (Grade II level text), with around 61% comprehending the meanings. In Vadodara district, where MSA operates, a mere 14.2% of students can read such sentences, with comprehension levels so low that they couldn't even be surveyed.
In sharp contrast, at MSA, 80% of students in Grades VIII can fluently read and comprehend English sentences. These girls are breaking barriers and defying regional trends, equipping themselves with a valuable skill that promises a brighter future.
Mathematics Mastery:
Mathematics proficiency is another area where C2C girls excel. Across the state, only 31.8% of Grade VIII students can perform basic division problems. However, in Vadodara district, the figure drops significantly to a mere 5.3%.
Remarkably, approximately 85% of C2C girls at the same level exhibit competence in performing basic multiplication and division calculations involving decimals. These girls aren't just keeping pace; they're surging ahead.
Furthermore, a majority of grade 9 C2C girls demonstrate remarkable mathematical prowess, calculating squares and cubes of two digits effortlessly. Their proficiency extends to advanced calculations involving fractions, positioning them strongly for upcoming board examinations
A Promising Future
The ASER results underscore the transformative impact of C2C's educational initiatives on tribal girls in Vadodara. By providing access to tech labs with innovative computer science curriculums, Vedic math classes, and English education, C2C has empowered these girls to defy educational odds and build a brighter future. In the words of Damor, one of the C2C girls,
“There are many learnings that I have got from C2C whether it’s related to language proficiency, technical proficiency and mathematical proficiency. Thanks to C2C, I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills, helping me overcome societal barriers and work towards a brighter future.”
This year, C2C is expanding its programming to include college and career readiness and financial literacy. Additionally, the introduction of the C2C Fellows Initiative promises to further elevate these girls' educational journeys.
In the face of climate challenges and the everyday struggles of growing up as girls in Gujarat, these young tribal girls have exhibited unwavering resilience. The GKF and C2C's commitment to their education equips them not only with knowledge but also with the toolkit to confront whatever challenges come their way.
As we celebrate their achievements and look ahead to their promising futures, let us remember that education is the key to empowerment. These girls are not just rewriting their own destinies but also contributing to a brighter future for their communities and the world at large.