Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society, yet in remote areas of India, many children are denied this fundamental right.
The recent UDISE+ 2021-22 data reveals a national dropout rate of 1.5%, a slight improvement from the previous year. However, the issue remains particularly concerning in rural schools, where the rate for secondary students (Classes 9-10) soars to a staggering 12.6%.
One of the root causes of this disparity is the lack of basic study essentials, particularly books. In these areas, a set of books costing around Rs 300 can be a luxury, forcing families to prioritize food over education.
While the Right to Education Act mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14, the interpretation of “free” excludes schools not supported by the government. This leaves many rural schools struggling to provide essential materials.
Traceable Giving Foundation (TGF), a social enterprise dedicated to rural development, steps in to bridge this gap with our impactful “Books for Change” program. Launched in 2019, the initiative provides a set of curated academic books to all students enrolled in schools affiliated with TGF. We began with 30 schools, empowering 2000 rural students. Today, the program flourishes, reaching over 4600 students across 40 schools.
Empowering Education, One Book at a Time
“Books for Change” is more than just book distribution. It’s a testament to social impact achieved through transparency. Each affiliated school automatically receives the program every year, ensuring no child gets left behind. The project covers the entire cost of books, alleviating the financial burden on parents and encouraging them to prioritize education. This has demonstrably led to a decrease in dropout rates, particularly in vulnerable grades 9 and 10.
Transparency through Traceability
Ensuring every child receives their books is paramount. We achieve this through a robust barcode system. Each book bundle has a unique barcode sticker with the student’s name. During distribution, the barcode is scanned, and the data is uploaded to our secure online portal. This social enterprise initiative guarantees transparency – sponsors can access the portal and track book distribution across schools.
Measurable Impact, Lasting Change
The project has yielded demonstrably positive social impact. Dropout rates in affiliated rural schools have shown a significant decrease. This success story motivates TGF to repeat the program annually in each partnered school.
Transform Rural Education
Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for children in rural India. By supporting TGF’s “Books for Change” program, you become an agent of positive social change. Help us ensure every child has access to the books they need to thrive. Together, let’s empower rural communities through education – one book at a time!