The Residential and Non-Residential Bridge Courses for Girl Children Project, undertaken by the Tharu Janjati Mahila Vikas Samiti in collaboration with the Directorate of Literacy and Alternative Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, emerged as a vital initiative in Gonda and Srawasti districts. Running in two phases from March to August 2007 and then from May to October 2010, the project made a profound impact, benefiting 280 drop-out boys and girls.

At its core, the project aimed to champion girls’ education within the marginalized sections of society. Recognizing the importance of education as a tool for empowerment, it focused on providing quality educational opportunities to girls who had prematurely left primary classes.

Spanning the districts of Gonda and Srawasti, this endeavour specifically targeted children who had dropped out of classes in the first, second, and third grades. These children were enrolled in specially designed residential and non-residential schools that equipped them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed. Once they completed their bridge courses, they were seamlessly integrated into government schools in the fifth and sixth grades to continue their educational journey.

One of the standout features of this project was the meticulous follow-up provided to these children after they left the residential schools. The aim was to monitor their progress and ensure they continued their education with a renewed sense of purpose. In retrospect, the Residential and Non-Residential Bridge Courses for Girl Children Project was a pivotal initiative that not only rescued the education of 280 boys and girls but also paved the way for a brighter and more equitable future. By bridging the educational gap, promoting girls’ education, and closely monitoring the students’ progress, this project contributed significantly to breaking the cycle of illiteracy and fostering social development in the region.