Breaking the Cycle

Ending Child Marriage Through Education

Empowered by our Udaan Project, Girls Overcome Social Barriers and Forge a Bright Future

Four underage girls who had once been trapped in the darkness of child marriage are now soaring towards the light of education. Rescued from the clutches of this social injustice with the support of our Udaan Project, these girls have successfully completed their 12th standard examinations and are now taking flight toward their dreams—leading independent, safe and empowered lives. Their journey from the brink of marriage to self-reliance was challenging, involving efforts to rebuild their confidence, health and education. However, with timely intervention by our Udaan Project, their lives were transformed, and they found new hope and strength.

Building Bridges of Trust with the Udaan Project

Our Udaan Project has played a pivotal role in restoring these girls' lives through comprehensive support:

• Family Counseling: Helping family members understand the importance of education and the dangers of child marriage.

• Academic Support: Providing scholarships, books, guidance, and preparation for competitive exams.

• Mental and Physical Health: Offering counseling, health check-ups and medical treatment.

• Coordination with Local Authorities: Maintaining continuous contact with Gram Panchayat, police, district administration and other stakeholders.

• Social Awareness Campaigns: Conducting village visits, awareness drives, and promoting social cleanliness and safety.

The collective efforts of the District Women and Child Development Department, Child Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units, local administration, police and teachers have been instrumental in this mission.

As Dr Girish Kulkarni, the founder of Snehalaya, states, "These girls are the beginning of a new societal awakening." He emphasises that stopping child marriage is not just a legal issue but a matter of human rights. Their disciplined return to education is a testament to the success of our Udaan Project, and their achievements mark a significant step toward social change.

Advocating for Education and Rights

Advocate Bageshri Jarandikar, Director of our Udaan Project, asserts, "Creating a love for education in these girls’ lives and fighting for their rights at the legal level is our duty. Society must understand that child marriage is a destructive beginning to a lifetime of suffering."

The Goal: A Child-Marriage-Free Ahilyanagar by 2027

The Udaan Project has set an ambitious goal to make the entire Ahilyanagar district free of child marriage by 2027. To achieve this, we are focusing on awareness campaigns in every village, training local authorities and rehabilitating affected children. Bageshri Jarandikar emphasizes the importance of community involvement in this mission.

Call to Citizens

Hanif Sheikh, Director of our Child Welfare Program, appeals to the public: "Child marriage, sexual abuse and the need to help vulnerable children are issues that require collective effort. Society must stay alert and report such cases to our Udaan Project. Your support can make a difference."

For assistance or to report cases, contact our Udaan Helpline at 9011026495 and 9011098008. Rest assured, your information will be kept confidential.

A Tale of Hope and Transformation

Today, these four girls are beginning new journeys—some are preparing for nursing and police exams, while others are ready to serve society through social work. Their success has inspired hundreds of other girls, instilling renewed confidence and hope in their communities.

Our Udaan Project is more than just a scheme; it is a protective umbrella for dreams and a catalyst for societal change. It symbolizes the collective effort to safeguard the future of vulnerable children and ensure they have the opportunity to soar freely.

Join us in supporting this noble cause—because every child deserves a future free from the chains of child marriage.