The constitution of India, written over 50 years ago, guaranteed all Indian children up to the age of 14 the right to "free and compulsory" education. Universal education, however, has yet to fully materialize, and it is estimated that it will not be realized until the year 2010. The goal is increasingly hard to achieve because of the rapidly growing size of the population. Public funds are insufficient to cover education costs, and schools throughout India experience shortages of teachers, books, and basic facilities. Retention of both students and teachers is alarmingly low, particularly in rural areas.

Gender discrimination also keeps attendance rates for girls far below that of boys in the same age group. In Rajasthan, only 45 percent of girls are enrolled in primary school as opposed to 55 percent of boys. At the secondary level, this rate lowers to 36 percent for girls compared to 66 percent for boys. For girls, the ultimate goal is often portrayed as marriage, and not the attainment of a solid educational background. Often, families cannot afford to pay for the schooling of all their children so parents frequently decide to prematurely end schooling for their daughters. For many impoverished families, schooling is viewed as an impracticable financial burden, allowing them to reserve money for more pressing needs.

Many NGOs throughout Rajasthan have developed learning centers to supplement government-run school programs. FSD supports these local education centers and libraries by providing additional educational assistance for underprivileged children and their families. Tutors regularly visit these facilities to further the education of both boys and girls in need. Additionally, several NGOs in Udaipur and Jodhpur work with schools to provide skills training for adults. In the past FSD interns offered courses for the poor and unemployed on various topics from math, to English, to art. Schools in this region are in dire need of dedicated teachers and tutors to combat the high levels of absenteeism and illiteracy that prevail in this region.

Read more about Youth Education & Development programs and opportunities initiated by our Community Partners in India.

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