Problem

From the stage at a rally in Bihar, India, a political activist asked a Dalit boy, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The crowed offered enthusiastic suggestions: "Doctor! Teacher!" But the boy, haggard by 3,000 years of caste oppression, replied, "I can't be anything." The Indian socio-political climate teaches Dalit children that they are "untouchable" and denies them the freedoms that come with an educated mind. They spend their lives in bonded labor or unhealthy working conditions.

The Gift

In the story above, a Dalit boy believed the messages of his culture and accepted that his life was worthless. But after a short time in a DFN Dalit Education Center, another boy, Babu, is able to proudly wear his uniform and say, "When I grow up, I want to be a police officer!" Through this gift you offer hope for a future to a Dalit child. This child will receive an English education, which is an access key to reliable jobs with good pay. Because our qualified teachers are passionate about working with the poorest children, is it not uncommon for a 7-year-old Dalit child in our schools to be bi- or tri-lingual and have award-winning abilities in math, science, and social science. In the bigger picture of initiating change in India, your sponsorship contributes to the sustainability of our education program and the elimination of caste. Dalit Education Centers accept all students and provide a safe place for interaction, regardless of caste. Plus, you have the opportunity to communicate with your child via the DFN office.