Barely enough food to eat.
The only clothes she owns are those on her back.
Forced into marriage before her teenage years.
Living a life of servitude to her husband and in-laws.

As devastating and incomprehensible as this might sound, all of these examples represent the sad, frightening reality for thousands of young girls in the poorest parts of rural India.

Fortunately, there is ONE POWERFUL WAY to break this cycle of hardship and impoverishment –

An EDUCATION.

An educated child is one who can develop, thrive, and prosper. An educated child is one who can break away from the anguish and emotional abuse that awaits so many of these innocent young girls.

The sad truth is that most families in the most indigent parts of India must make a choice about which of their children will attend school — and, most often, it’s the daughters who lose out on the opportunity for an education and, along with it, access to a future of hope, promise, and aspiration.

NOW, THERE IS HOPE.

The It Starts With a Girl initiative provides free education to over 4,000 girls each year, from primary school through college, changing their lives in the process.

In rural India, educated women have much higher access to economic opportunities and possess a higher influence in their households and communities. Additionally, educated women are less susceptible to violence, and they are more likely to have access to medical care and a healthy lifestyle.

With your donation to It Starts with a Girl initiative, we are breaking this cycle of poverty for these girls – young women who soon will become future mothers and leaders who understand and value the importance of a strong education.

Our objective is to bring about important social changes by establishing a strong educational foundation for young minds.

Today, we are one of the most successful comprehensive Girls’ Empowerment Through Education programs in India. But, we can only continue our important mission with the help of generous donors like you.

PLEASE NOTE: 100% of your donation goes directly to helping these young women in need.

Manjusha P.

Woman Constable in Indian Police Force

Born in Kunda, Manjusha spent her childhood in a small mud house with her grandmother, parents, sister, and brother. Her father, the sole provider for the family, earned $50 a month as a tailor. Manjusha, a very quiet and shy girl, always dreamed of being able to help her family live a better life and had a sincere desire to gain an education.

She completed her primary education at a local village school; due to the financial limitations of Manjusha’s family, she could not have continued with her studies if not for the free education provided by the It Starts with a Girl initiative. Manjusha graduated at the top of her class, and excelled in her 12th grade State Board Exams.

Manjusha then continued with the Bachelor of Arts program (BA) at Kripalu Schools. A few weeks after completing her studies, she applied for and was selected as a constable in the Indian Police force.

Manjusha says that she owes her education and success to Kripalu Schools, as her family would not have been able to afford her schooling without the assistance these institutions provided. She also believes that the free education, school supplies, and other necessities provided by the organization allowed her to enjoy a future that otherwise would never have been available.

Manjusha sends her heartfelt gratitude to the teachers, staff, and donors, with plans to visit the schools regularly to inspire other students and help them fulfill their dreams.