About Project mala
Project Mala: Empowering Children Through Education
Project Mala is a non-profit organization that aims to eliminate child labor in the hand-knotted carpet industry in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. The organization believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation, and it has been working tirelessly for over 30 years to provide quality education to underprivileged children in the region.
The Problem of Child Labor in India
India has one of the highest rates of child labor in the world, with an estimated 10 million children working as laborers. Many of these children work long hours under hazardous conditions, often for little or no pay. The hand-knotted carpet industry is one of the worst offenders when it comes to exploiting child labor. Children as young as five are forced to work long hours weaving carpets, often for less than a dollar a day.
The Impact of Project Mala
Project Mala was founded in 1989 by Dr. John Rowe, a British physician who was appalled by the conditions he saw while working at a hospital near Varanasi. He decided to take action and set up Project Mala with his wife Anne Rowe and local social worker Mohd Salim.
Since then, Project Mala has established nine schools across eastern Uttar Pradesh, providing education to over 3,000 children from some of the most marginalized communities in India. The schools offer free education up until class eight (age 14), after which students can continue their studies at government-run high schools or vocational training centers.
The curriculum at Project Mala schools is designed not only to provide academic knowledge but also life skills such as hygiene practices and financial literacy. The organization also provides healthcare services through its mobile medical unit that visits each school regularly.
Sponsorship Program
Project Mala's sponsorship program allows individuals or organizations from around the world to support a child's education by making monthly donations starting from $30. The donations cover the cost of tuition, books, uniforms, and other school-related expenses.
Sponsors receive regular updates on their sponsored child's progress and can communicate with them through letters or emails. Sponsors are also welcome to visit their sponsored child at the school.
Impact of Sponsorship
The impact of sponsorship goes beyond just providing education to a child. It also helps break the cycle of poverty by empowering families and communities. When a child is educated, they are more likely to secure better-paying jobs in the future, which can lift their entire family out of poverty.
Moreover, educated children are less likely to fall prey to exploitation and abuse in the future. They become aware of their rights and are better equipped to protect themselves from harm.
Conclusion
Project Mala's work is crucial in addressing one of India's most pressing social issues - child labor. By providing quality education to underprivileged children, Project Mala is not only breaking the cycle of poverty but also empowering communities for a brighter future.
Through its sponsorship program, individuals or organizations can make a tangible difference in a child's life by supporting their education journey. With your help, Project Mala can continue its mission towards eliminating child labor in India one student at a time.