KGBV is a small school serving 70 girls (soon to be 100), but its reach however is, far and wide. The vast majority of students at KGBV School are the first generation to be educated in their family. Many of their parents and grandparents are unable to read, or write. All students come from impoverished backgrounds, where their families are unable to feed, clothe or educate them. Many of the families earn $1 per day.

On behalf of ODAM we conducted a study which required us to visit with a student, their family, homes and for some, their place of work. The aim of the study was to highlight thirty six students who are at the age where government funding ends (post 14 years old). ODAM currently fills this funding gap through volunteer financial contributions. This is enough to provide a basic service; however further funding is needed to ensure the students stay at school and do not return to work.

All of the students in the study have missed some form of education ranging from one month to five years. Many of them have worked in a variety of industries, for example, as daily wage farmers (moving to where the work is available), or at cotton mills, or brick chambers. Much of this work required a huge amount of physical labor and many of the students suffered from ill health because of this. Most of the students have worked a minimum of 5 days a week, some even 7 days, with hours ranging from eight to twelve per day. The families visited suffered from poor amenities such as clean running water and sanitation also, many of them experienced severe food shortages.

All families in the study were very happy that their daughters were in a safe environment, with food, clothing, clean water and a good education, all of which they had struggled to provide. They are also happy that their daughters have a chance to break the poverty cycle in which many of their family had been in for generations. An overwhelming majority of parents when asked stated that they wanted the education that their daughters were receiving to “open their eyes”. Also all families when asked informed us that they wanted their daughters to work for many years before marriage in a good job, a significant break from the considered norm of marrying at the age of 18 years old.

The study revealed the important role ODAM played in the all of the student’s lives. Without ODAM canvassing their villages, brick chambers and cotton mills, all girls would still; be working for many of them in horrendous conditions. Thankfully ODAM has been able to provide them with an alternative life and all are thriving in their new environment.  Please read on for more information on the 36 students in the study. They are all in need of financial support, if you feel moved to help them, please do so via our Paypal system.  Thank you for taking the time to read about some of KGBVS’ wonderful students!

Case Study: Mr. Hywel Ward and Mrs. Elizabeth Ward