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INDIA

EDUCATION FOR 
​'UNTOUCHABLE' 
​DALIT ​CHILDREN
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THE EDGE IN INDIA

Caste discrimination in India is trapping Dalit communities in a cycle of poverty and exclusion.

Illegal yet culturally ingrained caste discrimination against the ‘untouchable’ Dalit minority in India is causing children to be ostracised from education and denied their rights. 

The caste system assigns individuals a certain hierarchical status according to Hindu beliefs. Traditionally there are four principal castes (divided into thousands of sub-categories) and a fifth category of people who fall outside of the caste system; the Dalits. ​

The word Dalit translates as ‘oppressed’ or ‘broken’ and is generally used to refer to people who were once known as ‘untouchables’ because of the impurity and pollution connected with their traditional ‘outcaste’ occupations.

Dalits face discrimination at almost every level, from access to education and medical facilities to restrictions on where they can live and what jobs they can have. Deep-seated low self esteem and abuse has trapped Dalit communities in a cycle of poverty, abuse and exclusion.
READ MORE ABOUT THE EDGE FOR DALIT COMMUNITIES >>
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WHAT ARE WE DOING TO HELP?

Through education and collective activism, Dalits are realising their rights and breaking the cycle of discrimination.

READ ABOUT OUR COVID RESPONSE IN INDIA >>
Working with local partner NESWSD we are tackling barriers to education through the support of 31 community Learning Centres in Patna, Bihar and surrounding rural areas.

Over 970 children are becoming proficient in maths, science and language, while our partners work with local schools to encourage integration into the mainstream system. The curriculum includes a focus on self esteem, human rights (under Indian and international law), caste discrimination and local justice systems. 

​Centres also form a platform to bring change in the wider community. Through ten 'Children's Parliaments', 200 children learn how to influence their communities and campaign about the issues that matter to them. 
​​Over 50 women’s groups are supported to realise their rights, bringing change through nonviolent action. We are also working with local organisation Parivartan Kendra, supporting their advocacy work for Dalit communities in the rural Vaishali areas.

​The time is right for investing in work that informs Dalit communities about their rights, gives them the tools they need to practice self-determination and develops their ability to create better lives. 
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MEET NISHA 

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SHE DESCRIBES WHY SHE LOVES THE LEARNING CENTRES AND WHAT LOCKDOWN LIFE HAS BEEN LIKE IN PATNA >>

WATCH OUR ​LATEST VIDEO 

CREATING A BRIGHTER, FAIRER FUTURE FOR DALIT CHILDREN IN INDIA >>

CATCH UP ON OUR ​LAST BLOG 

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INSPIRATIONAL CHILDREN SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES THROUGH LOCKDOWN >>
read all our INDIA UPDATES >>
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​Children on the Edge, 5 The Victoria, 25 St Pancras, Chichester,  West Sussex, PO19 7LT, UK.
  • DONATE
  • WHO WE ARE
    • A Child Rights Approach
    • Meet the team
    • Contact Us
    • Media
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Bangladesh: Education for Rohingya refugee children
    • India: Education for 'untouchable' Dalit children
    • Uganda: Transforming slum communities
    • Uganda: Early Years Education for Congolese refugee children
    • Kachin State Myanmar: Support for displaced children
    • Bangladesh: Community Schools for slum dwelling children
    • Lebanon: Education for Syrian refugee children
    • India-Nepal border: Education for children in brothel communities
  • SUPPORT US
    • Receive our news updates
    • Trusts & Foundations
    • Fundraise for us
    • Take on a challenge >
      • 12,000 Steps Virtual Event
      • London Marathon
      • Brighton Marathon
      • Ride London >
        • Ride London Application Form
      • Chichester Half Marathon Event
      • Great South Run
    • Organise an Event
    • Fundraise at Work
    • Clubs & Faith Groups
    • Schools
    • Volunteer
    • Shop
  • Latest stories