In Madhya Pradesh in India we have a project in danger of stalling because of lack of funds.  Its aim is to ensure that dalit (untouchable) children, those from tribal groups, girls and disabled children have equal access to education and to eradicate the prejudice they suffer in government schools.  

The programme also concentrates on girls from Muslim minority groups in urban slums.  Muslim female literacy rates are among the lowest in the country.  

40% of dalit children drop out of school as a result of discrimination from other students and teachers. 

Teachers (usually from a higher caste background) often view them as unclean and inherently unable to learn; untouchability - the ritual ostracising of lower caste individuals - is also prevalent in schools.

ActionAid has been supporting this scheme to help dalit children for the last three years with excellent results.  We need around £80,000 a year to keep it running but is now at risk because of lack of funds.  Without funds, 8,000 children from 300 communities will continue to suffer prejudice and lose out on their education. 

Find out how you can help