Supporting Girls’ Education and Learning

Established in 2008, Aadharshila Balika Shikshan Shivir is Prayas’s residential education initiative for girls from tribal and other marginalised communities. Located in Amarpura, Chittorgarh, Aadharshila provides girls with a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, build confidence and realise their potential.

Many girls who join Aadharshila come from families with limited educational and economic opportunities. Some have never attended school, while others have dropped out at an early age. Most are first-generation learners, making access to a supportive learning environment especially important.

Aadharshila provides free residential education up to Grade 5. Since its establishment, more than 400 girls have benefited from Aadharshila, many of whom have continued to higher studies and gone on to build careers.

Learning Beyond Academics

Aadharshila follows an informal and child-centred approach to learning, recognising that education is about more than textbooks and academic achievement. Girls are encouraged to ask questions, express themselves, explore their interests and develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate the world around them.

The Programme Focuses On:

• Foundational Learning – Strengthening reading, writing, numeracy and understanding.
• Critical Thinking – Encouraging girls to question, analyse and solve problems.
• Life Skills & Confidence – Building communication, decision-making and self-expression.
• Creative & Co-curricular Learning – Encouraging literature, music, dance, sports and creative activities.
• Science & Technology – Providing practical exposure to science and computers.
• Rights & Gender Awareness – Building awareness of child rights, gender equality, child marriage, child labour and violence against women.
• Self-Defence & Safety – Helping girls recognise unsafe situations and understand ways to protect themselves.
• Health & Well-being – Supporting regular monitoring of girls’ health and physical development.

Building Pathways to Continued Education

Aadharshila aims to ensure that girls from disadvantaged backgrounds are able to continue their education despite social and economic barriers. The centre works to strengthen the foundation needed for girls to transition into formal schooling and pursue higher education and future opportunities.