Education is the Path to Financial Freedom
Written by Kayla Laughton
In Rajasthan, India women and girls are often regarded as second-class citizens and deemed not worthy of receiving an education or vocational training due to the cost or family and cultural reasons. Sambhali Trust works to change that, operating eight Empowerment Centers serving 300 students a year. In 2021, Sambhali U.S. fully supports three of these Empowerment Centers.
At the Empowerment Centers, women receive vocational training in sewing and embroidery and take classes in Hindi, English, math, and self-defense. Along with their core classes, the women attend workshops on many topics, including small business development, legal rights, the environment, health, sexual harassment, nutrition, and yoga. Upon beginning their education at the Empowerment Center, the women are divided into classes based upon their skill level; beginner, middle, and advanced. The goal is to provide a sound primary education and vocational training in sewing and embroidery which together will enable graduates to earn a livelihood for themselves and their families.
Empowerment Centers also provide a social environment where women facing similar life situations have the space to speak freely about the challenges they face and provide support for each other. For younger participants, Empowerment Centers help prevent early marriage. As explained by Zara:
“I went to school until seventh grade. . . . One day [my elder brother] announced that [my sister and I] should no longer go to school and that we should get married instead. . . . However, we were able to go to Fatima Empowerment Center of Sambhali Trust, where we learn English and embroidery. This keeps us away from an early marriage. Education has always been my dream.” -Zara
Empowerment Centers encourage self-esteem and build self-confidence and self-expression. The women attend for a 12-month program, and Sambhali Trust provides each graduate with a sewing machine upon successful completion of the program. Empowerment Center graduations are fantastic events that mark the beginning of financial freedom. A donation to Sambhali U.S. allows young women like Zara to pursue their dreams.