Shreeja India

Bahamoni Murmu and Sundari Marandi, were in 5th standard when they joined Shreeja India’s rural out-of-school learning center at Birbhum in 2017. They could not read a text meant for 1st standard or solve a basic multiplication or division. But under the able guidance of Shreeja India, both Bahamoni and Sundari along with 60 other tribal girls have caught up well with the non-tribal students in their class. Over a span of three years, Shreeja India has successfully engaged, educated and empowered over 200 girls from 17 villages in Birbhum district, West Bengal. The organization is further working to stop school dropout, end early marriage, prevent human trafficking and impede violence against women that is much prevalent in many challenged communities across India through adoption of a multi-faceted innovative approach. In Shreeja India, Football is considered as a powerful vehicle for social change and education. Our sports-based learning initiative, “Beyond Football” equips and empowers marginalized tribal girls to qualify academically and lead a life with self-respect and dignity. Shreeja India’s approach is relatively new in India and unique in its methodology. The program transcends the field and influences the girls to be cognizant, perform and live better. The method enhances self-esteem, facilitate teamwork and foster leadership. A strong research department of the organization ensures meticulous documentation, evaluation of the project progress and continuous innovations and improvement in the action plans based on Team and beneficiary feedback system. The three major parts of the currently running ‘Beyond Football’ program comprise of: 1. Sports, Advanced Academics and Digital Learning 2. Nutrition Gardening 3. Sensitization and mental health workshops beyond academics The interventions undertaken by Shreeja India will contribute towards SDG1, SDG3, SDG4, SDG5, SDG10, SDG17 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 by United Nations.