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 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.
Poonam Kumari, completed the hospitality skills training at Aga Khan Foundation’s (AKF) training centre and is now working in a hotel in Patna
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I enrolled for AKF’s vocational skills training programme focused on hospitality and for the past six months have been working. Since coming to the AKF centre, I have seen a lot of changes in myself. Earlier I used to deliberate a lot about even leaving the house, but after going to the centre I have been able to build my confidence and minimize 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 it’s 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.
In my neighbourhood, many families differentiate between boys and girls. I want to change that attitude and am now trying to educate them 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.
Shabina just finished her Class 10 exams after receiving scholastic support at AKF’s training centre and is awaiting her results
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Before I started attending the AKF centre in October 2015, I did not 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 their plans to get me married. After I clear my exams, I want to continue 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.
These are first person accounts written by the girls and translated for The Ismaili.
