Jalaun DM initiative helps underprivileged girls pass class X board exams with flying colours

Jhansi: The first batch of 19 girls studying under Kishori Samadhan Yojna in Jalaun district passed class X state board exams with flying colours in the recently declared results. All the 19 girls, who hail from the poor families of labourers and marginal farmers from various parts of the district, were all set to discontinue further studies after class VIII as their parents could not afford to spend on their education.
Barring one, all 18 girls secured first division, most of them scoring above 70%.
It all began two years ag. The girls, after passing class VIII from Kasturba Gandhi School which provides free education along with boarding for girls from class VI-VIII, had no other option but to return to their home as their parents could not afford their further education.
When the matter came to the knowledge of Jalaun DM Mannan Akhtar Khan, he undertook an innovative crowd-sourced initiative called ‘Kishori Samadhan Yojana’. Under this scheme, he motivated people to adopt girls who after they pass out of Kasturba schools and sponsor their future education along with their boarding and other expenses.
A district education trust was also formed under the leadership of Jalaun DM for the purpose. The trust gets funds mostly through crowd sourcing and has led to community participation. It encourages people to adopt the girls and sponsor their education in order to help them achieve self-dependency.
Laxmi, who passed from Jalaun Balika Vidyalay and has scored 80% marks in class X state board exams, belongs to village Mirjapur and her father is a marginal farmer. “I had lost all hopes of further studies after class VIII due to financial constraints. But then, this golden opportunity came my way and I was able to continue my studies. I heartily thank DM sir for his initiative,” said Laxmi, who wants to be a teacher in future.
DM Akhtar said, “The idea of this initiative came up two years when we realised that so many girls drop out each year due to lack of money. Now, through Kishori Samadhan Yojana, sources of funds have been arranged whci help the girls continue their studies at least till class XII.”