Run on the ground by Action Education in India, the ENLIGHT programme has transformed the daily lives of more than 2,400 young girls from the most vulnerable backgrounds in 13 major cities. What do they have in common? They grew up in places where going to school seemed like a pipe dream. Today, many of them are continuing their education, developing their leadership skills, entering the labour market and establishing themselves as true role models within their communities.

In many parts of India, girls’ futures seem to be predetermined. The weight of tradition, forced early marriages, dropping out of school, gender discrimination and extreme poverty limit their prospects from a very young age. For girls born into the most marginalised communities, continuing their education is a daily struggle.

Physics lessons as part of the ENLIGHT project

It was precisely to break this vicious circle that the ENLIGHT initiative, led by Action Education in India, was launched in 2015. Now operating in 13 urban centres across eight states, this project supports 2,416 girls through tailored educational, social and psychological support.

The initiative primarily targets young girls from highly stigmatised backgrounds: families who make a living from waste collection or street cleaning, households affected by HIV/AIDS, mothers who are sex workers, as well as teenage girls with physical or cognitive disabilities, or those from historically oppressed minority groups.

To tackle these complex issues, Action Education goes far beyond simply re-enrolling girls in school. In collaboration with local organisations, the NGO has established a comprehensive protection framework through its Child Support Centres. From early learning for the youngest girls to helping the older ones enter the workforce, every young girl benefits from individualised tutoring, personalised guidance and ongoing psychological support.

Key indicators confirming a lasting impact

The impact assessment carried out to mark this tenth anniversary highlights some key figures, evidence of a profound shift in attitudes on the ground:

• Perseverance and academic achievement : 87 % of the beneficiaries attend classes regularly and 84 % have made significant progress in their academic results.
• Social protection against risks : The support programme set up by Action Education has acted as a real safeguard, protecting 85 % teenage girls from the risks associated with forced marriage or labour exploitation.
• Changes in family circles : Beyond academic performance, the ENLIGHT project has succeeded in shifting priorities within households. Now, 83 % of parents regard their daughter’s education as a crucial issue rather than a secondary one.
• The emergence of new ambitions : 75 % of these young women are now setting their sights on stable and promising career paths (technology, education, management, public services, etc.), thereby freeing themselves from the precariousness of the informal sector jobs their parents were forced to endure.
  

  Portrait of a young woman involved with ENLIGHT

They broke the mould – and succeeded!

Behind the figures lie, above all, inspiring life stories that illustrate the programme’s success:

Gayatri is now studying computer science in Salem. Without ENLIGHT’s intervention, she would certainly have been forced into marriage as soon as she finished secondary school. Thanks to the improvement in her English and IT skills, and to efforts to raise awareness amongst her parents, she is now working towards her university degree and aiming for a role in the tech sector.

«Without the support of the ENLIGHT project team, I would have been married before I finished secondary school. Today, I’m in my third year at university.»
Gayatri, Salem

Neelima was born in Hyderabad with a congenital condition that required extensive surgery and the use of a prosthesis. For a long time, she felt isolated by the way others looked at her and by her lack of self-esteem, but she found a refuge at a Children’s Support Centre where she was able to study and become independent.

With psychological support, financial assistance and suitable assistive technology, she now works at a post office and is preparing for competitive examinations to join the civil service.

«ENLIGHT gave me the strength I needed to overcome my fears.»
Neelima, Hyderabad

In Kolkata, Lakhi grew up in the Sonagachhi red-light district. She found that photography was a powerful tool for rebuilding her self-confidence. Art workshops, karate training and academic support have enabled her to turn her passion into a career. Now a freelance photographer and videographer, she is studying for a master’s degree in communication.

«Access to education is the very foundation of women’s financial independence.»
Lakhi, Kolkata

These stories show that change happens one step at a time. It relies on a caring and consistent presence: the encouragement of a mentor, a safe place to study, practical help at just the right moment, or simply the feeling of being valued. ENLIGHT has successfully brought these key factors together, offering teenage girls the opportunity not only to receive an education, but also to rebuild their self-esteem and their faith in the future.

Portrait of a Young Girl, ENLIGHT project

Educating a girl means raising an entire community

The ENLIGHT initiative fully embodies Action Education’s daily struggle: to guarantee the right to inclusive, public, free and high-quality education for all marginalised communities. By changing the lives of these 2,416 young girls, the project is gradually transforming the social fabric of entire neighbourhoods. These young women, now working as teachers, accountants or technicians, are challenging preconceptions about women’s roles. What is more, they are becoming advocates for this cause amongst others, like Gayatri, who is now working to raise awareness amongst those around her and to eradicate child marriage in her community.

Ten years on from its launch, ENLIGHT demonstrates that long-term support, based on respect and a strong local presence, brings about lasting change.

For Action Education, these life stories reinforce a deep-seated conviction: every girl deserves a quality education and a supportive environment in which to flourish and make her own choices about her life. When this fundamental right is guaranteed, the positive impact extends far beyond her individual journey.