Project Back to School- Bridge Course Program

Campaign Story

About the project

The consecutive waves of the COVID 19 pandemic have had devastating effects on all dimensions of children’s rights in our project areas. Worsening of the educational situation caused by the closure of schools has put the protection of children’s rights at a higher risk. Extended school closures and non-availability of digital equipment at the household and community level for online classes has been leading to loss of children’s interest in education, loss of learning and dropout. This has a high chance of getting children into labor and increased child marriage cases.

Making a difference

In order to minimize these risks, CRY has initiated the Bridge Course Program in August 2021 for 8 months and is implementing it in the CRY project areas across four regions for children in grade 6th to 12th. This program is an appropriate alternative for children in the project areas to continue their education and reconnect with school as they gradually re-open. A total of 307 villages in 49 districts of 15 states are covered in this program.

Action during COVID times

● Enable children to reconnect with their school education and give them the necessary confidence
● Continued engagement with grade lessons and subject content
● School readiness when school reopens
● Ensure re-enrolment and return to school
● Stem dropout from school

The way forward

Project Impact

centers across the country

181

Centers across the country

children enrolled in the centers

27,150

Children enrolled in the centers

39

children collective meetings conducted with participation of 478 children

16

Adolescent Girl Children meetings conducted where 148 girls participated

Current Year’s Approved Grant: $100,003

Current years’s budget

Administration$6,793

Education$11,548

Protection$15,624

Total Budget$33,965

A teacher’s perseverance changes Ayesha’s life

S Ayesha a student of 7th grade studies in Bapuji ZPHS in Ramarao colony, Madanapalle. Since the beginning, Ayesha has been extremely quiet and barely showed any interest in studies or extracurricular activities. She did not participate or talk to other children much. Remedial teacher Monika, noticed this and regularly encouraged her to attend the extra curriculum activities initially to help her open up with others and build rapport with them. It was observed that she began to participate in playing games, drawing competitions and letter writing too.

As her participation improved and the remedial teacher started encouraging her and channelized her confidence towards education and encouraged her to ask doubts and questions. Monika inspired her by giving her examples of her seniors and motivated her to aspire for bigger goals.

After a few months, Ayesha was seen becoming regular at supplementary classes conducted by the remedial teachers.

Ayesha’s efforts inspired by her teacher, have led to the improvement in her performance. Her parents shared positively about the changes they have seen in their daughter and appreciated the CRY America project and the teacher’s work.

Project Photo Gallery