The discrimination that India’s Dalit people face is unimaginable. Labelled as ‘untouchables’, those who exist outside of the country’s caste system can expect a lifetime of poverty and hardship. Dalits are regularly denied access to healthcare and education, while the work they are offered is often menial and poorly paid. They are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

At the request of Dalit leaders, DFN UK partner organisation OMIF has established a hundred Dalit Education Centres (DECs) that are providing hope for the future. These facilities provide 14,000 students with a highly sought-after English-medium education. It is estimated that without these schools, 30-40% of the pupils would otherwise be trafficked. The centres are also used for medical clinics and vocational training for adults, thus extending the benefit to whole communities.

Improving self-worth

Ensuring the students’ physical health and wellbeing is another focus of the DECs, as well as broadening their horizons in terms of their ambition, and increasing their self-esteem. In co-operation with the UK’s Bigshot Cricket, 200 children from 17 of OMIF’s schools recently participated in a week-long cricket camp. Ten coaches and assistants from the UK trained the Dalit children in bowling, batting, fielding and match strategy.

The students were overjoyed at the chance to hone their cricketing skills with qualified ECB coaches. Furthermore, the week reinforced the message the children receive at school – that they are valued and special. With so many Dalit children now dreaming about cricketing glory, plans are already underway to hold another camp.

DECs are just one of a number of OMIF projects supported by DFN UK helping to prevent trafficking. Click here to find out how to support these projects, including how to sponsor a DEC student.

Together we can make a difference!