Literacy Centre Programme
WEIV is operating 9 Literacy Centres for illiterate adolescent girls aged 8 to 14 years who are not in the education system because their families need them for domestic work, to help work on the land, or in other ways earn money for their family. They come from the poorest families and no fees are charged.

Programme Aim:
For disadvantaged Schedule Caste girl students aged 8 to 14 to learn Hindi reading and writing, plus basic English and basic arithmetic.

Factors prevailing against education of girls:
* Poverty
* The girls are generally engaged in home duties
* Girls are often engaged in agricultural work to support their family
* Parents do not value education – they themselves are generally illiterate and un-educated
* Girls traditionally marry young and move into their husband's family home, so parents see no need to educate them.

A three year commitment is required to educate the girls in basic Hindi/English/Arithmetic. Most are interested in English, but Hindi is the main learning medium.
After attending the Literacy Centre, it becomes possible for the girls to gain admission at Standard 2-3 at a local government school, although the potential age discrepancy with mainstream students is a potential barrier for older students.

Classes are held from 10am till 2pm, enabling girls to complete family chores prior to coming and after leaving the Centre.

Some girls attend classes, so then other girls become interested.

WEIV has engaged tutors to coach the senior girls in cultural studies and advanced mathematics for those of them who are transitioning into the government school system. To support the girls, we are providing daily tutoring free of charge. We are also supporting the girls through the provision of enrolment fees, text books and uniforms.

The Value of Educating Girls
“The main value of educating girls in India is breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty while driving profound social, economic, and health transformations. When a girl receives a basic education, the impact reaches far beyond her own life and uplifts her entire family and community.” Child Rights and You. www.cry.org

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education and reduce inequality.

Quality Education (SDG 4): Aims to ensure all girls complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary schooling, and eliminates gender disparities in learning.

Gender Equality (SDG 5): Seeks to end discrimination, eliminate child and forced marriages, and empower all women and girls through equal access to resources and leadership.

Academy of Root Development fully understands these principles and all programmes are driven by this vision for the future. Educating girls increases social cohesion and promotes family resilience.