Empowerment and Learning Program for Girl Students in Residential Ashram Schools, Khordha, Odisha

This project primarily works with girls aged 8–17 years studying in 10 residential Government Ashram schools in Khordha district, Odisha. The students primarily belong to the Santhal, Kandha, and Munda tribes, representing over 12 districts across the state, with a higher number from Mayurbhanj and Kandhamal.

The activities are conducted after school hours in libraries set up within the hostel premises. They include listening, speaking, reading, writing, drawing, singing, dancing, and playing. With mentoring and facilitation from their teachers, the girls engage in discussions about their families, communities, villages, culture, work, labor, environment, and climate change. These discussions help them understand how these issues impact different aspects of life.

On a monthly basis, the program organizes thematic discussions on topics such as work and labor, health, climate change, and societal impacts. Experts and environmental activists are invited to speak, providing insights into climate change and sustainable practices. The students are guided on how to integrate climate action into their daily lives, enabling them to make sustainable practices a habit.

At the end of the sessions, the students from different hostels created drawings and written pieces on themes such as environment, pollution caused by plastic, climate change and its societal impact, family, tribal marriage practices, hygienic food, and personal dreams. These contributions were compiled into a colorful pictorial magazine, published in print and shared widely during regular classes. This initiative helped build confidence among the girls, enabling them to express themselves creatively through writing and drawing.