Program for Education and Awareness Building (PEAB)
The Program for Education and Awareness Building (PEAB) has provided first generation learners from Dalit and Adivasi rural communities with the opportunity to obtain an education and break the entrenched cycle of disadvantage and poverty.
Dalits and Adivasi (previously known as ‘Untouchables’ and ‘Tribals’) are completely outside India’s rigid caste system. Children from these communities face discrimination and segregation in the classroom, at meal times and in the playground. Many find it difficult to stay within the formal education system in India and drop out. Future employment prospects are limited to manual labour tasks.
indigo foundation has worked with PEAB since 2006 to support a network of village based education centres aimed at supporting students in years 1-9. and reducing school dropout rates. And importantly they encourage isolated rural communities to see the benefits of education for their children and their communities. PEAB now also offers a structured coaching program for students in year 10 in two locations.
Through PEAB, students are not only assisted to learn, they are encouraged to imagine a better life for themselves and their families with many students now aspiring to become doctors, nurses, engineers, and business professionals. For Dalit children, such dreams were unimaginable just a generation ago but with the assistance of PEAB, participating students now have a chance of achieving them.
Over the last eight years, PEAB has continued to improve school retention to Year 10 and success rates in State Board examinations. The project has achieved this with modest resources, committed tutors and strong community support.