India: Dalit Education

The Dalits (pronounced dah-LEETS) are considered by many the most persecuted people group in the world.  Dalit means “untouchable” and the Dalit people are seen as outside the Indian caste system, lower than the lowest caste.  They must drink out of clay cups which must then be crushed, to keep others from even the possibly of touching something a Dalit has used.  Most Dalit women are illiterate, and Dalit children are denied learning English, the language of commerce and the elite castes.  Often Dalit children, seen as worthless, are sold into sex slavery.    
 

OM has partnered with a national organization to build 100 Dalit Education Centers to help combat these injustices.  The schools use English-based curriculum, teaching these otherwise oppressed children human dignity, equality, and  self-worth.
 
In 2009, the first graduating class in Dalit history was made possible through these Education Centers.  One graduate, whose childhood home was a mere concrete tunnel, has decided to go on to medical school, realizing the world is now open to her.
 
Through Freedom Climb, you can sponsor one year of a child’s education for $336, or one month for $28.  The Freedom Climb hopes to sponsor 600 children in two of these life-changing schools.  Thanks for your gift to help free the Dalits.