Musahar is name associated with the community associated with rampant poverty, subjugation, marginalization and Illiteracy in Bihar. They are considered one of the lowest among Dalit groups and suffer tremendously in the society.

According to the State Mahadalit Commission’s Interim Report, there are nearly 2.2 million Musahars in Bihar. Among them around 96.3% of them are landless and 92.5% work as farm labour and literacy rates among this community is only 9.8%, the lowest among Dalits in the country.

Caritas India initiated ‘Roshini’, an educational empowerment programme for Musahar Children focusing on early childhood education reaching the elementary level; life skill development, and vocational education in four districts of Bihar.  The intervention improved the access to quality education by enabling enrollment of 82% Musahar children in the school, and ensured entitlements under Right to Education Act to support their education.

Peter Seidel and Johana from Caritas Germany visited Bihar to witness the project implementation of Roshini, Disaster Risk Reduction and Nutrition project areas to plan future actions. They met with the Mushahar children enrolled in the complementary education centre, interacted with Mata Samiti on their role in implementation of RTE.

They also interacted with the community on DRR and nutrition initiatives to ensure the falling rate of Malnutrition among children and women’s. Proposal development on project Suposhan was discussed to ensure the nutritional empowerment of Musahar community.

A group of 30-35 children were assigned by an Educator which balances teacher to student classroom ratio. Teachers knows each student and the families on a personal level, and update parents on their child’s progress at the end of the month. Parents are equally encouraged to join the child education centre and in Govt school.

“Children seemed very enthusiastic and inquisitive; the confidence and ability to openly communicate is quite discernible”, shared Mr. Peter after the visit.

He observed a positive change in Musahar female in the past three years of the project.

Musahar community female members has ensured their representation in Gram Sabha and raising their issues and concerns. Good thing is that they are aware about their rights and entitlements and playing a significant role in School Management Committee and takes active participation in implementation of RTE and other schemes.