Philanthropy

On December 28, 2015, NetElixir’s founders, Udayan and Tulika Bose, appeared before a 10th-grade class at a small all-girls school in rural India. Most of the girls in this class had a small chance for further education or a future job. Many of them would likely be married off and lose any opportunity of pursuing their own dreams.

Udayan asked the class a simple question: “How many of you think you can score 80% on your 10th-grade exam?” (The 10th-grade exam is a pivotal indicator of the likelihood of getting into a college.) Three students raised their hands. He then asked a follow-up question: “How about if we sponsor your high school (11th and 12th grades) and college tuition and offer you a job?” Fourteen students raised their hands. When the results were declared in May 2016, 21 students from the class had scored over 80% and nine had scored over 90%!

From that pivotal moment, the Udaan Trust had the goal of sponsoring college education and future prospects of three girls a year. We interview the girls and their families to learn more about their goals and aspirations, as well as whether their family is willing to encourage the pursuit of their dreams.

The 10th-grade exam scores increased across the board the next school year simply because of this motivation of a new-found possibility. Young women gained the confidence to work towards a higher ambition. All the girls needed was someone to support their dreams.

The assistance provided by the Udaan Trust extends beyond just a college sponsorship. Those enrolled in the program are offered a job if they choose to take it, learn language and programming skills, and receive counseling sessions to help build their confidence and self-esteem. Volunteers at Udaan Trust also teach classes on feminine health and hygiene, basic computer skills, and interactive sessions to girls across different schools.

So far, of the girls sponsored by the Udaan Trust, two are now second-year college students in leading engineering colleges in India and one is pursuing a degree in commerce. The remaining girls recently completed their 11th- and 12th-grade education.

We hope to continue offering chances for a better education, career, and life to countless girls for many years to come.