Foundation for Education and Development

The DD project, initiated in 2001, has been implemented in nine blocks, following a decentralized, community-based, process-oriented, and participative approach. It offers value-based, life skills-oriented education, aiming to unlock the leadership potential of youth and women for social transformation in the remote and backward rural areas of Rajasthan. DD is distinguished by its pioneering role in Adolescent Education nationally, employing a common framework adaptable to diverse contexts. The project's uniqueness lies in its values, and processes, including open dialogue and critical reflection on current issues among the community, experts, and officials. It effectively operationalizes the concept of "residentially" for accelerated learning in a non-discriminatory environment, earning the unwavering trust of marginalized communities for nearly two decades. The project is managed through participative engagement with sahabhagis and community members.

Implemented in Desuri block of Pali district since 2015 with support from "The Y.P. Foundation" (TYPF), New Delhi, The Butterfly project, exemplifies the impactful outcomes of investing in women and girls' empowerment. Focused on Tribal and Dalit backgrounds, the project transforms young girls and women into Young Women Leaders (YWLs). Mobilizing 30 members of DD's "Kishori" groups, it raises awareness on gender equality and combats gender-based violence within the community. The project's impact includes fostering confidence among girls to express concerns about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the "safe spaces" it creates. These empowered girls engage in digital advocacy messages, influencing 120 adolescents, becoming successful peer educators on menstrual hygiene. Through positive communication, they challenge age-old traditions, such as isolation during menstruation, and resist exploitative practices by healers.

The "Transforming The lives of Adolescent Girls" project, supported by the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), spanned from 1st September to 31st August in the Kishanganj block of Baran district. The selection of this block was influenced by the significant presence of the 'Saharia' primitive Tribe caste. The project's end-line survey indicated an increase in the marriage age in the selected villages. The women's group "Jagrit Mahila Sangthan," previously established by FED, played a pivotal role in the liberation efforts of 135 families from bonded labor, though the awarding of liberation certificates faced challenges. Over the project duration, dedicated efforts resulted in obtaining liberation certificates for 65 families in total. These initiatives fall under the category of projects undertaken by FED.

Conducted as a pilot initiative from December 2013 to November 2014, this project received financial and technical support from the National Health System Resources (NHSRC), New Delhi, and the Public Health Foundation of India. Implemented across 50 villages in Laxmangarh Taluka, Alwar District, the project achieved the following milestones:

- Strengthening of 50 Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) through training and community participation.
- Successful dissemination efforts resulted in a district-level campaign.
- Achieved 100% utilization of untied funds in all 50 villages.