According to Census 2001 and 2011, literacy rates in Bihar remains amongst the lowest in the country, wherein the Musahar community has shown the lowest literacy level at 3.9% for female literacy. The Musahar community is a highly discriminated and excluded community within Dalits. This has forced them to live away from the main village centres, away from the general population. They have the lowest literacy rate among the Dalits at 6.88 per cent, followed by the lowest for women at 1.43 per cent (Census 2011). Attendance rate falls to 10% at the secondary school level. Caritas India reached the target areas with programmes focusing early childhood education reaching the elementary level; life skill development, and vocational education.Responding to this grim situation, project “Roshni” meaning light, educationally empower the Musahar girls.

Geographical coverage: Districts of Madhubani, Munger and Purnea, covering 1605 Musahargirls in 18 Panchayats and 30 villages.

Implementing Partner

• Muzaffarpur Diocesan Social Service Centre,
• Purnea Social & Educational Society,
• Social Service Centre
• Bihar Water Development Society

Key highlights

• Female animator from the community conduct public meetings, NukkadNatak, one-on-one interaction, and panchayat meetings to encourage the parents and community at large to send girls to schools, and avail off the benefits under the Right to Education Act.
• Teachers are appointed from same community or villages to work in Complementary Education Centres formed under the project.
• 30 Complementary Education Centres (CEC) areestablished to support the girls with in studies.
• Peer groups comprising bright students, called “RoshnikiToli” constituted to act as catalysts for other students.
• Mata Samiti and Pita Samitis are formed to encourage their interference in their child’s education through participation in School Management Committees and Village Education Committees.
• 675 children cleared Elementary Education
• 312 Musahar parents of enrolled children have been involved in monitoring the school.
• 16 incidences of Parents-Teacher Meeting as against 24 target

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