Project Lehar enables adolescent girls from disadvantaged communities in the Phulwarisharif and Danapur blocks of urban Patna to pursue either scholastic or vocational skills training. The scholastic support being provided in centres established by AKF aims to build the girls’ learning levels so that they can either re-join formal schooling or prepare for their Class 10 Board examinations through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Vocational skills training is also provided at AKF’s centres where girls are trained in skills that are in high demand and will enable them to earn a better income and gain financial independence. Cutting across both the scholastic and vocational skills courses is life skills training which helps the girls build their confidence and understanding of how to successfully overcome the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives.
Both of these girls, whose personal accounts are written below are part of Project Lehar which commenced in urban slum settlements of Patna in 2015. The project is implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation, with support from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
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Poonam Kumari: “I enrolled for Aga Khan Foundation’s (AKF) Vocational Skills Training Programme focused on hospitality, and for the past six months I have been working. Since coming to the AKF centre I have seen a lot of changes in myself. Earlier I used to worry before even leaving the house, but after going to the centre, I have been able to build my confidence and minimise my fears.
Through the life skills training I have learnt how to look after my health and diet. And from one of the stories in the life skills curriculum, Akbar and Birbal, I learnt to appreciate my brain and intellect and its potential. This is something I have been able to get my husband to understand and as a result, he respects and supports my decision to work.
I now want to change the attitude of those around me and am trying to educate them about the reality that girls and boys are equal, and a good society is one where girls can flourish. I have decided I want to become a soldier and have put in my application, and am preparing for the entrance exams. All I will say about myself now is that if someone tries to stop me, I will not listen and will move forward instead. ”
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Shabina: “Before I started attending the AKF centre in October 2015, I did not even know how to write my name. I dropped out of school when I was very young and was never interested in rejoining. At that time, I wasn’t aware of the importance of studying but now I really like it.
Besides the academic training, the life skills training has really helped me in my life. Last year my parents wanted me to get married. I didn’t want to go ahead, and through the life skills training I learnt that I could make my own decisions, and that it was possible to overcome problems. When I went to my parents to tell them I didn’t want to go ahead with marriage, and that as I was only 16 it wouldn’t be good for my health, they were resistant, but then I was able to get my brother to understand and together we got my parents to give up on their plans to get me married.
After I clear my exams, I want to continue with my education and eventually start working. I also want to make everybody in my community understand that all girls should continue their education and should be supported to progress in society.”
