Campaign: “Poori Padhai Desh Ki Bhalai” (Complete Education for the Nation’s Welfare)

Objective:

Raise awareness on the importance of girls completing their higher secondary education

Background:

Despite the Right to Education Act 2009, many girls in India still face barriers to secondary and higher secondary education. The National Education Policy 2020 aims to extend universal, free, and quality education up to age 18, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

Key Statistics:

• Only 3 out of 5 girls enroll at higher secondary level (11th and 12th standards) – UDISE+ 2021-22

Campaign Rationale:

1. Raise public awareness and change societal attitudes towards girls’ education
2. Address gender disparities in education
3. Break the cycle of poverty by empowering girls through education
4. Protect girls from child marriage, trafficking, violence, and child labor
5. Improve health outcomes and empower communities

Campaign Objectives:

1. Increase enrollment and retention of girls in primary through higher secondary education
2. Create widespread awareness by engaging stakeholders including families, educators, community members, authorities, students, influencers, corporates, and the general public
3. Enhance CRY’s visibility via social media, media publications, and other platforms

Achievements of the campaign across 6 Northern Indian states:

1. 17,636 girls aged 6-18 years enrolled in schools
2. 12,523 supporters, including prominent political leaders and bureaucrats, joined the signature campaign
3. 122 gram panchayats pledged to ensure every girl child completes school education 219 villages reached through mass enrollment drives
4. 207 villages held ceremonies honoring girls who passed 10th and 12th grade exams

Key Messages:

• “Girls completing their education is a critical lever for the nation’s progress”
• “Complete Education for the Nation’s Welfare”

Campaign Duration: Start Date: June 24, 2024 End Date: August 15, 2024

Call to Action for Public:

1. Sign the Pledge: Visit cry.org/pooripadhai to show support
2. Donate: Support girl child education to prevent dropouts
3. Volunteer: Participate in CRY’s on-ground programs
4. Spread the Word: Share campaign assets on social media

About CRY: Child Rights and You (CRY) is a leading Indian NGO working to ensure every child’s right to a childhood. For over four decades, CRY has created lasting change in the lives of more than 3 million underprivileged children across 19 states in India.

For media inquiries, please contact: M Poornima, Media Relations, CRY – Child Rights and You.

E-mail id: m.poornima@crymail.org , Phone no: +91 7566802828