Vikasini Girls School

Vikasini is a school for the girl child started in one of the biggest slums of Asia-Addagutta in Secunderabad. The local Mahila Mandali started this school, when it realized that while there were many government and private schools for boys, there was no such place for girls. A survey showed that while 90 per cent of the boys went to some educational institute or the other, the girls were all kept at home to help with house work or work as domestic help to earn for the family kitty. To remedy this situation, the Mahila Mandal approached Nirnaya for help.

With support from Nirnaya , they took up door- to- door canvassing urging parents to send their girls to school, a school building was identified and teachers appointed.

Their work The school that started with just two girls, today boasts strength of 68.

The children are given uniforms and books free of cost. A nutritious mid-day meal is provided every day. Apart from education, periodic health checks, excursions, extra-curricular activities, etc. , are regular features. Regular parent -teacher meet keeps parents updated on the child's progress.

Impact The school formally started on 15 March 2002 with 5 students and now has 68 on the rolls. The children have had an annual day and sports day, in the years 2003, 2004 and 2005. They have regular examinations, participate in summer camps and dare to dream. 8-year-old Swapna says, " I want to become a district collector when I grow up." The number of donors has increased and they are keen on knowing the progress of the children. The donors attend every function that Vikasini conducts which is an expression of their desire to stay connected with these children.