Hello everyone!
Thanks to the generous support of the Women and Public Policy Program (WAPPP) at the Harvard Kennedy school, I am thrilled to be embarking on an exciting journey of discovery and learning. This journey leads me to the heart of New Delhi, India, where I have the incredible opportunity to intern with Pratham Education. Specifically, I'll be working with their Second Chance program, a transformative initiative nestled within the organization's broader Girls Education Program.
The Second Chance program is a beacon of hope designed for girls and women who, due to various circumstances, had to abandon their formal education. It offers them a lifeline—a second chance—to rekindle their pursuit of knowledge, guiding them towards obtaining a crucial diploma certificate. The name aptly encapsulates the program's mission: to create opportunities where there were none and give these resilient girls and women the tools they need to change their life trajectory.
As an intern, my role will revolve around assessing the program's long-term impact on women empowerment—an incredibly poignant and significant facet of this endeavor. My evaluation process will begin with a baseline assessment, which will involve understanding the initial conditions and challenges faced by girls and women entering the program. Following this, I'll shift my focus to gauge the long-term outcomes of those who have already journeyed through this program—the alumni.
An essential part of this internship involves engaging directly with students across ten different districts in India. I am truly excited about this aspect, as I believe personal interactions offer a wealth of insights that simply can't be captured through numbers alone. It is through these heart-to-heart discussions that we can truly understand the trials, tribulations, and triumphs these women have experienced.
Through this comprehensive evaluation, we hope to create an evidence-backed framework that allows us to design an even more robust program in the future—one that is acutely sensitive to the needs of its participants and empowers more women to realize their dreams.
As I embark on this journey, I will be sharing updates, insights, and stories from the field, shedding light on the transformative power of education and the role it plays in empowering women to rise above their circumstances and write their own stories of success.
Until next time,
Safira
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