Education is the first step in order to break the cycle of discrimination, oppression and poverty. EDWON supports primary school education for both boys and girls through scholarships. But since girls are at such a disadvantage, we provide scholarships exclusively for Dalit girls in secondary school and college.

ISSUES OF DALIT EDUCATION
The literacy rate for women in Nepal is only 23%, compared to the national average of 56%. But for Dalit women it is a dismal12%. Some studies shows it as low as 3%. Girls of all castes are educated at a lower rate than boys, but Dalit girls are the least likely of any children to attend school, especially in secondary school and after.

In many communities there is no school at all. Children whose parents do understand the importance of education must walk for hours to reach a school, or they must board with a family in another community. Finding a family willing to host a Dalit student is often impossible. Especially in predominantly Dalit communities, schools are dilapidated Dalit families are reluctant to educate their children for several reasons:

• Their children are teased and humiliated in school — sometimes even by teachers — and they are not allowed to eat and sit with others.
• Dalit families are particularly poor and need their children’s labor.
• Only .03% of Dalits pass the SLC exam every year, due to poor preparation.
• Dalits are denied job opportunities due to discrimination.
• Dalit parents lack self-esteem.
• Sending a child to school may be perceived as rebelling against tradition.

  

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DALIT CHILDREN
Primary School
As little as $5 a year can determine whether a village child can attend school. This covers the cost of the mandatory school uniform and some school supplies. Poor families with many children cannot spare even this amount. We give 500 Dalit children a year an opportunity to attend a local primary school.

Secondary School & College
EDWON pays full tuition for a number of low-caste girls in high school and college. With $20 a month we can support a young Dalit woman pursuing a degree in nursing and teaching, who will return to serve her community.

The women in the savings groups are living examples of the power of education, and are helping EDWON administer our scholarship program in the villages.