Children reclaiming their future demanding higher education
In the slums of Vatva, secondary education seemed out of reach, as there were no nearby schools to support higher education beyond the 8th standard. As a result, children had no choice but to drop out.
CRY America’s project team in Ahmedabad nurtured the confidence and awareness of community children by forming Children’s Collectives and sensitizing them to child rights and life skills. Determined to rewrite their future, 194 children, with the support of project members, came together to demand their right to education. With guidance from the project team, they launched a postcard campaign, writing petitions to the District Education Officer of Ahmedabad. They also engaged their families and community stakeholders, spreading awareness and gathering support.
Each postcard carried a heartfelt appeal highlighting the urgent need for accessible higher education. Finally, the officials took notice and decided to establish a high school offering education from 9th to 12th standard.
These children, once bound by limitations, are now paving the way for a brighter future by attending their new school. With dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, and teachers, they have proven that change begins with a voice and the courage to use it.
*Image used for representative purpose only.
The Problem
There are 14 slums located around the industrial areas of Vatva and Lamba in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. These slums face significant challenges with their pre-primary, elementary and secondary education. Factors like financial constraints, lack of positive schooling environment, and parental awareness has led to a high number of secondary school dropouts.
The Solution
CRY America’s Project Direct Intervention in Ahmedabad works toward enrolling children in school by forming and strengthening children’s collectives, training School Management Committees (SMCs), and promoting preschool attendance. The project also organizes vocational training sessions and counselling sessions for girls to avail open school education facility.
Impact Of The Project
275
children aged 3-6 years enrolled in Anganwadi Centers
1,352
children enrolled in schools
482
children received education scholarships
227
children attended support classes
215
children attended vocational career guidance sessions
26
community leaders participated in education awareness sessions
2025 Plans
- Organize 2 camps for government documentation of children and their parents to support educational enrollment.
- Conduct 4 meetings with religious leaders, highlighting the issues related to education.
- Ensure the capacity building of 18 SMC members in developing school development plans.
- Track the regularization of 1,001 children attending school through home and school visits.
- Follow up regularly with 27 dropouts to counsel them for re-enrollment in schools.
- Train 50 adolescents in street play writing.
2025 Total Budget
