Education

RoH works with like-minded partners to help girls from marginalised communities access or continue their education. In Kishanganj, Bihar, 30 young tribal girls who had never been to school were enrolled in a six-month bridge course designed to help them transition into mainstream education. Today, the girls have been placed in age-appropriate classes in regular schools. A similar approach is being used in Varanasi, where young girls selling diyas at Ravi Ghat are being helped through bridge courses, scholarships, books and tuition to enter mainstream schools.

Getting young girls into classrooms requires extensive engagement and trust-building with local communities. Education as a stepping stone to an empowered life is almost a platitude, but for children who have grown up believing they have no agency, it is a tool of hope in their turbulent lives. A magic wand that can make them doctors, engineers, officers instead of just a wife.

RoH's education programmes have made an impact in
Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand

Surging ahead

Niharika’s Story

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

For many years, Niharika’s world was Assi Ghat. She sold lamps for long hours, often returning home tired, with little time to rest or study. Life offered very few choices, and school felt like something meant for other children.

Her journey changed when the RoH team met her family at the ghat and spoke to her mother about the importance of education. Despite financial challenges that ruled out private schooling, her mother agreed to send both her daughters to school.

RoH guided the family through government education schemes and supported Niharika through the admission process. A meritorious student, she cleared the entrance exam and secured admission to Glorious Academy, where she now receives free education till Class 10.

The journey was not easy. Inside the classroom, Niharika was bullied. Other children mocked her and questioned her presence, saying, “Tum diya bechti ho… tum bhikhari ho… tum yahan padh kaise sakti ho?” The words stayed with her, making her feel diminished and unwanted.

At RoH, she was encouraged to focus on her work and believe that her effort mattered more than her background. Niharika chose to listen. She studied quietly, showed up every day, and allowed her consistency to speak for her. What kept her going was not an instant solution but steady support.

Earlier, Niharika believed her life was already decided – that she would be married young and spend her life working in someone else’s home. Dreaming did not feel like a right. Today, Niharika participates confidently in class, has discovered a love for art and craft, has won a school medal, plays sports, and believes in her right to choose her future.

Her story reminds us that real change doesn’t happen overnight; it begins when a child is given access, support, and the belief that her effort matters.

Sonakshi's Story

Suryagaon, Uttarakhand

Sonakshi is a role model for many girls.

She comes from Suryagaon, Uttarakhand, with a strong desire to study. After cracking CUET, she secured admission at Delhi University in a Zoology Bachelor’s course.

With financial constraints, this journey could have easily stopped after school and Sonakshai would have been married off. RoH supports her education in Delhi, making it possible for her to live her dreams.

She is now excelling, with outstanding grades in her first semester.

Sometimes, it doesn’t take much. Just a little support at the right time.

And today, she continues to be an inspiration to so many.